<p>Job Description:</p> <p>Job Title: Dean of Early Childhood</p> <p>Job Summary:</p> <p>The Dean of Early Childhood at Highville Charter School will play a critical role in managing and overseeing all aspects of the Pre-K and Kindergarten programs. This position is responsible for ensuring the highest quality of instruction, maintaining NAEYC accreditation standards, building program partnerships, managing staffing, conducting evaluations, providing coaching and support, developing coverage plans, and promoting active engagement of students and parents. The Dean will work closely with school administration, teachers, parents, and external stakeholders to create a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children.</p> <p>Responsibilities:</p> <ul> <li>Program Oversight & Accreditation: </li></ul> <p>Manage daily operations of Pre-K and Kindergarten programs, ensuring compliance with NAEYC accreditation standards, adherence to established guidelines and curriculum, and coordination of the accreditation process.</p> <ul> <li>Staffing & Professional Development: </li></ul> <p>Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified educators; conduct performance evaluations; provide coaching, constructive feedback, and professional development opportunities, including those focused on play-based learning; and develop staff coverage plans for absences and events.</p> <ul> <li>Curriculum & Instructional Quality: </li></ul> <p>Collaborate with teachers and curriculum specialists to develop and enhance curriculum aligned with state standards and best practices; ensure high-quality instruction, effective lesson planning, and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies.</p> <ul> <li>Play-Based Learning Implementation: </li></ul> <p>Ensure full compliance with Connecticut's play-based learning law by integrating free play, guided play, and games into daily instructional time; ensure play is minimally reliant on mobile electronic devices; and support implementation across Pre-K, Kindergarten, and as applicable, grades one through five.</p> <ul> <li>Family & Community Engagement: </li></ul> <p>Build strong partnerships with community organizations and maintain open, ongoing communication with students and parents to encourage active involvement through events, workshops, and engagement activities.</p> <ul> <li>Data, Budget & Compliance: </li></ul> <p>Collect and analyze data to inform decisions and improve program effectiveness; assist with budget development and resource management; and ensure all practices align with accreditation, legal mandates, and school goals.</p> <p>Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (Master's degree preferred). </li><li>Valid teaching certification, preferably in Early Childhood Education and 092. </li><li>Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in Pre-K or Kindergarten education, with demonstrated leadership abilities. </li><li>Knowledge of NAEYC accreditation standards and experience with the accreditation process. </li><li>Strong understanding of early childhood development principles, best practices, and curriculum frameworks, including play-based learning methodologies. </li><li>Experience in staff supervision, evaluation, and professional development. </li><li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, parents, and external partners. </li><li>Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and meet deadlines. </li><li>Proficiency in data analysis and using data to drive decision-making and improvement. </li><li>Familiarity with educational technology and its integration into Pre-K and Kindergarten instruction. </li></ul> <p>To be considered for this position, you must upload and send a cover letter, resume, Connecticut certification, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation to hr@highvillecharter.com</p> <p>Highville Charter School is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The school is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and families.</p>