Early Childhood Educator

Location: Connecticut
Employment Type: Full-Time
Department: Early Childhood Education
Reports To: Lead Teacher / Program Director

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Educator is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. The educator will plan and implement engaging learning experiences, support children's social-emotional development, maintain a positive classroom environment, and work collaboratively with families and fellow educators.

The ideal candidate is patient, dependable, creative, and passionate about helping young children develop the skills necessary for future academic and social success.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide daily care, supervision, and education to young children.

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and learning activities.

• Support children's cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional development.

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

• Observe and document children's developmental progress.

• Modify activities to meet individual children's learning and developmental needs.

• Maintain appropriate classroom routines, schedules, and safety procedures.

• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and families regarding children's progress and needs.

• Work collaboratively with lead teachers, administrators, specialists, and other classroom staff.

• Maintain accurate classroom and child-development records.

• Follow all applicable Connecticut Office of Early Childhood regulations, program policies, and health and safety requirements.

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.

• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, and preparation of instructional materials.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director or Lead Teacher.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or a related field.

• Previous experience working with infants, toddlers, preschool-age children, or young children in an educational or childcare setting.

• Early Childhood Teacher Credential, CDA, or Connecticut teaching certification is a plus.

• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and early childhood curriculum.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative teaching team.

Connecticut-Specific Requirements:

Qualifications may vary depending on the type of early childhood program and whether the program receives state funding. Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood notes that state-funded programs may require college-level early childhood education coursework and that requirements are being phased in.

For OEC-funded programs, qualifying bachelor's-level staff may include individuals with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, an applicable Connecticut early childhood teaching certification, or certain bachelor's degrees with qualifying early childhood coursework. Associate-level pathways may also qualify under specified conditions and supervision requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of required background checks.

• Completion of required health and safety training.

• Ability to meet applicable Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing and staffing requirements.

• Ability to work effectively with children from diverse backgrounds and developmental levels.

Connecticut requires comprehensive background checks for applicable child-care staff, generally at least once every five years, subject to statutory exceptions.

Core Competencies

• Child Development Knowledge

• Classroom Management

• Communication

• Patience and Empathy

• Teamwork

• Organization

• Creativity

• Problem Solving

• Professionalism

• Commitment to Child Safety and Well-Being

Physical Requirements

The position may require frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, sitting on the floor, and interacting physically with young children. The educator must be capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation

Salary: Competitive and based on education, credentials, and experience.

Benefits: Based on employer's benefit package.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to providing an inclusive workplace and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.