Early Learning Teacher

Job Description:

Early Learning Teacher

Description

Description

Vacancies are in the Department of Families, Children, and Youth. Under general supervision, performs and is responsible for a wide range of functions in the operation of the City’s Early Learning Centers including, but not limited to, creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment; implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional activities and the preparation and maintenance of a clean and organized classroom; and fostering strong and positive relationships with the children, parents, and colleagues. Ensures the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities and fulfilling mandated reporting obligations as necessary. Plans, develops, and implements developmentally appropriate instructional activities inside and outside of the classroom and directs staff accordingly. Assesses lesson plans for effectiveness and adjusts or individualizes instruction as needed. Monitors children during classroom activities, including, but not limited to, instructional activities, free play, outdoor play, off-site activities, rest/quiet periods, and meals. Notifies appropriate personnel of any concerns or unusual behavior observed in the children. Prepares reports and other documents as required to comply with federal, state, municipal, and accrediting agency requirements. Assists with bathroom use and diaper changes. Assists with snack preparation and meal service. Responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, clean, and organized environment free of hazards and conducive for teaching and learning. Fosters positive relationships with the children by providing support for self-help skills, including but not limited to, dressing, hygiene, and toilet training. Actively communicates and engages with parents, families, and colleagues through appropriate and approved mediums. Communicates appropriately with parents and staff on children's learning progress, and participates in staff meetings, parent conferences, and training programs. May organize work of subordinate staff in absence of a supervisor. Attends meetings and trainings as required.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.

This is a 1716 position. The hours of this position are 40 per week.

This is a grant-funded position renewable on an annual basis. The City of Hartford is not obligated to fund this position upon termination of funding.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of a rating of your training and experience as contained on your application and may also include a written test, an oral test, a performance based test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination is designed to measure:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of supervising children.
  
• Childhood development and early childhood education principles.
  
• Health and personal hygiene of children.
  
• Safety precautions within an early learning education environment.
  
• Principles of observation, assessment, planning and implementing instructions for young children in individual and group environments.
  
• Symptoms of physical and emotional disorders in children.
  
• Behavioral management techniques.
  

Ability to:

• Instruct children in games, simple crafts, and various play activities
  
• Maintain order and address behavioral problems.
  
• Maintain confidential information and exercise discretion as needed.
  
• Understand, interact, and respect diverse cultures and perspectives.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, parents and other employees.
  
• Assess and document child development, identifying individual needs, and communicating progress and behaviors with parents and staff.
  
• Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records, reports, and data.
  
• Utilize various applications and technology.
  
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for children.
  
• Promote high order thinking skills in children.
  
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Work is performed in and out of classroom settings with multiple children, which may include work in close proximity with staff and students. Outdoor classroom activities may expose staff to inclement weather, dust, allergens, and other outdoor conditions. Work may include noisy environments and exposure to bodily fluids.

May be required to stand, bend, squat, or be seated on the floor for extended periods of time during the workday. Physical demands of this position require the ability to move continuously and quickly, get up and down from the floor on a continuous basis, reach overhead, and move materials for classroom activities. Must have the ability to lift young children and objects up to 50 lbs. Must be able to demonstrate emotional regulation and react to stressful situations in a professional manner.

Qualifications

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education or a closely related field;

OR

Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education or a closely related field AND one (1) year of experience in an early learning classroom setting;

OR

State of Connecticut Teacher Certification;

OR

Child Development Associate (CDA) AND two (2) years of experience in an early learning classroom setting.

A COPY OF YOUR DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. A DIPLOMA OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements:

May be required to obtain additional Education, Licenses, Certifications, and/or Special Requirements determined by legislation or accrediting organizations.

Required to comply with professional development standards as outlined by accrediting organizations.
If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 3-12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

Other Information

• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
  
• Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form , along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
  
• Americans With Disabilities Act: The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
  
• An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
  

Closing Date/Time: 4/1/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Salary:

$51,701.00 - $62,036.00 Annually