Early Childhood - Head Teacher at Calvary Nursery School

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSummaryThemissionof Cavalry Nursery Schoolis to nurture each child’s development in a safe and inspirational environment.Children learn through joyful play.We are inspired by various teaching philosophies, including Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia traditions.Our goal is to allow children’s imaginations to wander freely.Cavalry Nursery School is a non-profit, community ministry of Cavalry Episcopal Church.We welcome childrenand stafffrom all backgrounds and traditions, with no denominational expectations or requirements.TheCavalry Nursery SchoolHead Teacher supports the Director in planning and implementing a high-quality early childhood program at Cavalry Nursery School.The Head Teacher leadsa cohesive and dedicated teaching teamandoverseescurriculum planning andthe daily classroom operations.The Head Teacher follows theNAEYCCode of Ethical Conduct and Standards, and fostersa safe, stimulating environment that promotes children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development.TheHead Teacher is familiar with and can blend thevariouseducationalphilosophiesassociated with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf,to create a rich, dynamic experience for students.The Head Teacher embraces nature and play as central learning pathways for students at Calvary Nursery School.Strong communicationskillswith both children and adultsareessential; the Head Teacher is responsible for buildingcollaborative relationships with families and workingclosely with colleagues to supportthesuccessof each child.This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, fromlate AugusttoearlyJune.Calvary Nursery School follows the StoningtonPublicSchool calendar.Duties•Foster each child's curiosity and personal growth, while developing meaningful relationships with children and their families through a nature-based, child-centered approach.•Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with earlychildhoodlearning standards, creating engaging classroom activities.•Plan individual and group activities that support cognitive, social, and emotional development, supporting exploration, experimentation, and creativity in learning.•Communicate regularly with parents through informal discussions, progress updates, and conferences, ensuring strong parent-teacher partnerships.•Be on campus at least 60% of the school week.•Ensure compliance with allschoolpolicies and state regulations.•Maintain a healthy classroom environment, adhering to hygiene, cleanliness, safety, and security standards.•Lead by example to encourage team success, providing guidance, modeling, and coaching to teaching staff.•Work with the teaching team to continuously assess and enhance the physical classroom environment to meetstudents’ evolvingdevelopmental needs.•Workwiththe Rector of theCavalryChurch, and the CNS Director to integratespiritual and ethical themes in the preschool curriculum.•Keep accurate records, forms, and filesas necessary.•Participate in ongoing professional development to support continuous growth and improvementper state regulations.•Support daily operations, including snack preparation, classroom and play yard setup, and cleanup.•Contribute to weekly communications with the school community.Requirements•Minimum oftwoyears of professional experience in early childhood education.•Excellent communication and basic computer skills.•Familiarity with CT-ELDS standardsandpedagogicalmethodsassociated with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches.Embrace of nature- and play-based curriculum.•High energy, teamwork skills, and ability to create a collaborative environment with staff, children,and parents.•Enthusiasm for various enrichment programs that support growth and development for both children and staff.•Strong understanding of child development principles.•Openness to working in a Church-affiliated school, supporting progressive, inclusive values from the Episcopal tradition in the preschool curriculum.•Certification in infant/child CPR and First Aid (or willingness to obtain).•Successful completion of a full background check and health exams.•Associate'sDegree or higher in early childhood education or related field, or CDA certification or equivalent experience.•Applicant must meet CT OEC Head Teacherqualifications.•Proven leadership, organizational, and interpersonalskills.•Two professional references.BenefitsAvailable upon qualification.