Head Teacher for Full Day Fives

Principal Responsibilities:The Full Day Fives Teacher is responsible for creating and leading a dynamic, child-centered classroom for children approximately five years of age. In this Reggio- inspired classroom the educator will act as a facilitator of learning, designing meaningful learning experiences that support children's social-emotional growth, emerging academic readiness, creativity, and independence.This role requires strong knowledge of child development, emergent curriculum, project-based learning, documentation, and family partnership. In the KinderPlace Program, every educator views children as capable, competent learners and uses observation to guide curriculum decisions.Essential ResponsibilitiesCurriculum & InstructionPlan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with the interests of each childDesign emergent, inquiry-based curriculum using observations of children's questions, ideas, and play.Facilitate long-term project work that integrates literacy, math, science, art, and social studies.Support kindergarten readiness through hands-on, purposeful learning experiences meeting each child where they areProvide opportunities for children to express ideas through multiple mediums ("hundred languages"), including art, movement, dramatic play, construction, writing, and conversation.Observation & DocumentationObserve children closely to assess development, interests, and learning styles.Document learning through photographs, dictations, displays, and written reflections.Use documentation to inform planning, communicate learning to families, and make children's thinking visible.Classroom EnvironmentCreate a welcoming, organized indoor and outdoor classroom environment that functions as the "third teacher."Maintain engaging learning areas with open-ended materials, natural elements, and provocations that encourage exploration.Ensure materials are accessible, intentional, and reflective of children's current investigations and philosophy of KinderPlaceSocial-Emotional DevelopmentFoster a classroom community grounded in respect, empathy, inclusion, and collaboration.Support conflict resolution, self-regulation, independence, and positive peer relationships.Use responsive guidance practices and developmentally appropriate behavior support.Family PartnershipsBuild respectful, collaborative relationships with families.Communicate regularly regarding classroom experiences, child progress, and school events.Conduct conferences and share documentation of learning.Invite family voice, culture, and participation into classroom life.Team CollaborationWork closely with co-teachers, specialists, and administration.Participate in reflective planning meetings and professional dialogue.Health, Safety & OperationsMaintain compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations.Supervise children indoors, outdoors, and during transitions.Ensure a clean, safe, and well-maintained classroom environment.Perform routine duties including arrival, dismissal, snack/lunch supervision, and toileting support as needed.Minimum Qualifications:EducationBachelor's degree in:Early Childhood EducationChild DevelopmentElementary Education with early childhood courseworkRelated fieldPreferred qualifications often include:Connecticut Early Childhood Teacher CredentialConnecticut teaching certification with early childhood endorsementMaster's degree Experience2+ years teaching preschool or pre-k age childrenExperience with:emergent curriculumReggio Emilia-inspired practicesplay-based learningproject-based learningkindergarten readiness skillsRequired Knowledge and SkillsStrong understanding of child development ages 4-6Ability to create developmentally appropriate curriculumClassroom management skills using positive guidanceExperience documenting children's learning and progressStrong communication with familiesCollaboration with co-teachers and specialistsTechnology and DocumentationAbility to use classroom documentation platformsWritten observations and assessmentsPortfolio documentation and parent communication tools Salary:$55,000 - $65,000 Agency Information: The Stamford Jewish Community Center is a cultural, educational and recreational center, offering exceptional programs, classes and special events designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit. While we are driven by the Jewish values of welcoming guests, kindness, respect, and communal responsibility, we warmly welcome people of all ages, faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds.