Hybrid Instructional Leader presso YWCA Hartford Region, Inc.

Position Summary:

The Instructional Leader oversees and monitors the effectiveness of teaching practices, classroom management strategies, and helps to facilitate positive interactions with children. Keeps abreast of trends in the industry and shares information with teachers and management. Serves as the program expert in curriculum design and implementation. Performs duties in a manner that fosters the achievement of the organization's mission.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Instructional Development and Implementation

· Provides instructional leadership to ensure the highest standards of effective curriculum delivery and implementation, and classroom management;

· Plans, implements, and evaluates instructional programs with teachers, including learning objectives, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques;

· Reviews and monitors curriculum and lesson plan development and implementation;

· Oversees the planning and implementation of age-appropriate educational programs at the site level;

· Monitors children’s progress to ensure activities are meeting the students' educational and developmental needs;

· Reviews individual child observations, assessments, and family conference forms to ensure adherence to the Intentional Teaching cycle and developmentally appropriate practice;

· Oversees the implementation of all Support Plans

· Attends and participates in all Support Plan meetings with families, staff, and outside agencies, to include proper documentation;

Compliance and Monitoring

· Ensures that the site consistently meets the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and National Association for the Education of Youth and Children (NAEYC) health and safety standards;

· Follows defined State and YWCA Hartford Region protocols for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect, including documentation, notification of OEC, NAEYC, and Department of Children and Families (DCF) when applicable;

· Monitors and ensures compliance with and ongoing achievement of state licensing, NAEYC accreditation, and school readiness standards;

· Ensures staff adherence to the YWCA Hartford Region’s Positive Guidance Policy and the Atypical Behavior process;

· Ensures that staff are utilizing the Name-to-Face Accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of children;

· Monitors the consistent application of defined YWCA Hartford Region’s policies and procedures;

Coaching and Mentoring

· Provides guidance and assistance to staff in the delivery of high-quality programs and services;

· Oversees program staff and performs monthly observation and evaluation, including documenting and tracking of evaluations;

· Provides performance feedback within 24 hours, including identifying performance improvement needs and working with the Site Managers to create corrective actions and/or staff development plans;

· Confers with staff regarding professional growth and works with them to develop and accomplish goals;

· Addresses and supports teachers with professional development opportunities, including college registration, applying for resources, and seeking out grant and financial aid opportunities;

· Assists in planning and providing effective staff development activities;

· Prioritizes the needs of teachers and develops credible and trusting relationships;

· Provides prompt and attentive support while quickly and effectively helping staff find solutions to problems related to their development;

· Clearly and effectively communicates information to teachers;

· Demonstrates diplomacy by approaching others about sensitive issues in non-threatening ways and fosters an environment conducive to open and transparent communication, and utilizes the Sanctuary Training Model;

· Attends Sanctuary Training, and other job-related trainings and seminars, and researches ways to keep up with the latest information and best practices within the field; and

· Other duties as assigned.

Education:

· Minimum twelve (12) credits in early childhood education required, or must obtain 12 credits in early childhood education within one year of employment; or

· Bachelor's degree required. Degree focus area in early childhood education, psychology, or related field preferred.

Experience:

· Minimum five (5) years related experience in a child development program required;

· Minimum three (3) years as a head teacher required;

· Basic knowledge of the principles of Child Development required;

· Knowledge of state licensing and accreditation guidelines required;

· Demonstrated ability to develop age-appropriate exhibits and activities for the classroom preferred; and

· Knowledge of and the ability to use Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint preferred.

License or Certifications:

· CPR/First Aid certification or certification within two months of employment required.

Schedule:

· The Instructional Leader is an hourly position. Standard hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. The work schedule and hours will be defined by the Department Head or direct supervisor. Due to the nature of the work, some weekend and evening hours may be required.

Benefits:

• *Health Insurance - Four Healthcare Plan Options. A group medical, dental, and vision plan.
• Professional Development Opportunities;
• Retirement Plan - Two Retirement Plans 401 (a). YWCA Savings Retirement Plan up to 14% (all eligible employees are enrolled in a non-contributory pension plan after two years of employment);
• Childcare Discounts - Employees receive 50% off tuition for Childcare programs - Before and after school programs, and Spring and Summer Camp;
• Paid Time Off - Eligible employees receive 10 paid holidays per year, 10 - 30 paid vacation days (depending on tenure), 4 personal days, as well as 10 paid sick time;
• Long-term Disability - Eligible employees receive company-paid long-term disability insurance;
• Short-term Disability - All eligible employees may elect short-term disability to cover the employee for 12 weeks, if disabled. This is an employee-paid option;
• Life Insurance - A company-paid group life insurance plan is available to eligible employees. Employees may purchase additional life insurance for themselves and their eligible dependents;
• Referral Bonus Program - (please speak with recruiter for more details).
• Additional Benefits - Employee Assistance Program. Travel assistance program (please speak with recruiter for more details).

*For eligible employees and their eligible dependents. This is a benefit eligible.

EOE