The ECE Head Teacher provides leadership and oversight within the classroom, ensuring a high-quality, developmentally appropriate program for young children. This role is responsible for curriculum implementation, classroom management, and coaching teaching staff while maintaining full compliance with Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) licensing regulations and Qualified Staff Member (QSM) requirements. The Head Teacher sets the tone for classroom culture, supports staff development, and ensures a consistent, safe, and engaging experience for children and families.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Model the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions.
- Provide day-to-day leadership within the classroom, setting clear expectations for staff performance, routines, and child engagement.
- Maintain active supervision at all times and ensure staff consistently follow safety, ratio, and supervision requirements.
- Plan, implement, and oversee developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).
- Conduct and review ongoing child observations and assessments, ensuring documentation is accurate and used to support individual development.
- Establish and maintain a structured, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth.
- Coach and support teaching staff, modeling effective classroom management, curriculum delivery, and positive behavior guidance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with families through consistent, professional communication regarding classroom activities and child development.
- Ensure full compliance with all OEC licensing regulations, YMCA policies, and child abuse prevention standards, including mandated reporting requirements and appropriate professional boundaries.
- Oversee and ensure completion of required documentation and records, including attendance, incident reports, and child assessments.
Must meet Qualified Staff Member (QSM) eligibility as defined by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and be eligible to serve as the designated classroom Teacher. All education must be verified in the OEC Registry. Must hold one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
- Bachelor’s degree in another field plus at least 12 ECE credits
- Associate degree in ECE
- Early Childhood Teacher Credential (ECTC) – Associate or Bachelor level (via traditional or Individual Review Route)
- Other qualifying combination of credential and ECE coursework as recognized by the Connecticut Early Childhood Professional Registry
This role is expected to support program compliance with OEC benchmarks, including progression toward increased bachelor-level qualifications across staff by June 30, 2029.
Additional Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of early childhood education experience; classroom leadership or lead teacher experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, classroom management, and behavior guidance.
- Ability to coach and support staff effectively and maintain consistent classroom practices.
- Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills.
- Must be observant, safety-conscious, and able to respond calmly in emergencies.
Required Certifications & Training:
- Pediatric CPR and First Aid within six months of hire.
- Completion of all required YMCA and OEC trainings, including health and safety requirements.
- Ongoing professional development equal to at least 20% of hours worked annually, documented in the Professional Registry.
- OEC background check and fingerprinting within 30 days of hire.
- Documentation of physical exam and TB test at hire and every two years.
