Job description

The Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) is a high quality interdisciplinary approach to early childhood education. The ELLI Educator will work collaboratively with the innovative ELLI teaching staff and ELLI partners, including Stepping Stones and Literacy How, to ensure quality and comprehensive teaching and learning experiences are consistently provided for children ranging in age from birth to 5. The ELLI Educator facilitates the ELLI teaching approach in a complex, play-based learning environment, embedding early language and literacy within content-rich learning units designed according to guidelines established by ELLI, the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The ELLI Infant Educator will have frequent contact with parents and families. The ELLI Educator will support one or more sites, including the ELLI Lab School at Stepping Stones, and ELLI at Fairfield University. The ELLI Educator will work with the ELLI Director and support the ELLI Educators.

Required Education and/or Certifications:

• Bachelors degree in early childhood education, child development or human development or a four (4) year degree in a related field with at least twelve (12) credits in child development or early childhood education.
• Minimum two (2) years experience at a licensed child day care center that meets standards comparable to those in Connecticut and/or experience in group care for children ranging in age from birth to 5 years.
• Must maintain up to date Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED certification along with other required licensing regulations.

Position Responsibilities:

Leadership and Accountability

• Responsible for the daily management and operations of the ELLI Classroom in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations.
• Responsible for the supervision of the children at all times while they are at the facility, indoors or outdoors, or on field trips. At no time shall a child be left unsupervised.
• Schedules and conducts meetings throughout the year with designated consultants as established within the consulting agreements.
• Implements and annually reviews specific written policies, plans and procedures required by applicable statute or regulation, including Professional Development and OEC Registry.
• Ensure the health and safety of children under their active supervision at all times
• Possess ability to frequently face deadlines with attention to detail and must complete tasks in a timely manner. Considerable amounts of variable levels of concentration with frequent or constant interruptions. Must be able to handle multi-faceted tasks on a frequent basis.
• Carry out activities on a daily basis and evaluate the effectiveness of child development activities
• Provide appropriate referrals for children and family
• Plan, develop, and implement individual education and action plans when needed
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times

Staff Development

• Provides direction and supervision for staff, interns and volunteers who provide a service to the ELLI Classroom.
• Provides ELLI Director with current, regularly updated model classroom schedule to ensure adequate supporting educator coverage.
• Supports the Stepping Stones Human Resources Team and ELLI Director in the completion of mid-year and annual performance management process for the teaching staff.
• Coordinates the attendance of team members at classes, seminars, workshops, conferences or forums, and participates in and shares learning activities that improve knowledge, skills and abilities related to early language and literacy.

Learning Impact

• Leads the planning and daily implementation of ELLI aligned immersive, experimental and experiential learning opportunities for all children as part of a collaborati e teaching team; follows a structured process of programmatic happenings and curriculum; expands and embraces the capabilities of children.
• Creates and maintains a complex, evolving, engaging learning environment that supports the ELLI experience and encourages further learning and exploration.
• Works with the Executive Director, ELLI research team and ELLI Teaching Team to implement activities and research, documentation and assessment practices identified through the Research Agenda into daily classroom operations.
• Exhibits enthusiasm for educational innovation and a commitment to creating a child-centered environment at all times.
• Engages parents and caregivers in the learning outcomes for their children by welcoming and connecting with each parent through conferences, workshops, parent events and daily interactions; encourages supportive and involved relationships with each parent; provides opportunities that help build skills for parents, caregivers and educators.
• Participates in ongoing professional development.
• Carry out activities on a daily basis and evaluate the effectiveness of child development activities
• Provides appropriate referrals for children and family.
• Plans, develops, and implements individual education and action plans when needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information at all times.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Leads, participates in and shares learning activities that improve knowledge, skills and abilities related to early learning and literacy; actively participates and supports the work of the ELLI Team at all times.

Collaborates with the President, Director, ELLI staff, and museum staff to consistently create quality learning experiences for children enrolled in the ELLI Model Classrooms.

Supports the planning and implementation of special programming and events coordinated by the ELLI Community Resource Team.

Works collaboratively with the President, Director, ELLI Teaching Team, and other museum staff to identify and provide cross-functional learning opportunities.

Works collaboratively with NPS staff, to identify support needs, shared resources and other opportunities for classroom enhancement.

Maintain proper classroom coverage by meeting child adult ration.

Dedication to working closely and cooperatively in a community-based organization with diverse staff, clients, families and/or partnerships.

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