EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS AND STUDENT SUPPORTS
About New Beginnings Family Academy
Opened in September 2002, New Beginnings Family Academy (“NBFA”) offers active and engaging learning experiences from Pre-K through 6th grade. NBFA is a tuition-free, public charter school proudly distinguished by:
· Social, emotional and academic learning steeped in child development best practices
· An emotionally responsive model that weaves trauma-informed practice into every classroom
· Family engagement, in and outside of the classroom
NBFA is located at 184 Garden Street, Bridgeport, CT. NBFA is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse workplace. NBFA respects, values, and celebrates the unique attributes of all stakeholders: employees, students, families, and members of its’ Board of Directors.
Mission-Driven Culture:
NBFA employees thrive in a collaborative environment of thoughtful self-reflective professionals on a mission to impact the life outcomes of children residing in Bridgeport by narrowing opportunity gaps. Our mission is to ensure every child experiences meaningful, high-quality education through hands-on, experience-based learning that nurtures the social, emotional, and critical thinking skills they need to thrive.
Reports to: NBFA Principal
Summary:
The Director of Early Childhood Programs and Student Supports must have experience implementing high-quality early childhood practices in a public-school environment. The position is primarily responsible for providing effective instructional and programmatic leadership to preschool teachers and staff to ensure high-quality learning experiences for children ages three through five and their families.
The Director of Early Childhood Programs and Student Supports will foster, nurture, and model NBFA’s shared vision, goals, and expectations for teaching and learning. The Director will oversee early childhood instructional programming, daily program operations, family engagement, staff development, and designated student support programs.
The Director is expected to establish and maintain productive working relationships with NBFA students, families, staff, community partners, and members of the Leadership Team, including the Director, Chief Academic Officers, other administrators, and the Board of Directors.
Principal Accountabilities:
Foundations of Quality
- Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with staff, children, and families to support a strong and connected preschool community.
- Promote and sustain a positive, welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive preschool environment that supports the success and well-being of all children, families, and staff.
- Provide leadership for all aspects of the NAEYC accreditation process, including planning, implementation, documentation, compliance monitoring, and continuous quality improvement efforts.
Operations and Scheduling
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of preschool classrooms to ensure safe, organized, effective, and high-quality learning environments.
- Develop, implement, and maintain procedures, protocols, and policies that support high-quality early childhood programming and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and requirements.
- Manage classroom schedules and staff coverage to ensure continuity of services and effective program operations.
- Oversee the procurement, organization, and management of supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to support preschool instruction and daily operations.
Instructional Leadership and Supervision
- Provide ongoing feedback, mentorship, coaching, and instructional support to preschool staff to promote professional growth and instructional effectiveness.
- Plan, coordinate, and facilitate professional learning opportunities aligned with program goals, instructional best practices, and staff-development needs.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team to evaluate, select, implement, and monitor curriculum and instructional resources that support high-quality early childhood education.
- Oversee the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, using developmental screening data and ongoing assessments to identify and address student needs.
- Collaborate with the local public-school district and multidisciplinary teams regarding special education referrals, evaluations, transitions, and service delivery.
- Conduct evaluations of certified and non-certified instructional staff in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, and established performance standards.
- Oversee student support programming as assigned by the Director.
Enrollment and Family and Community Engagement
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team on student enrollment and recruitment initiatives.
- In collaboration with the Enrollment Coordinator, oversee the enrollment lottery and all aspects of the student enrollment process, ensuring compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and timelines.
- Plan and facilitate family-engagement events, including family conferences, open houses, and curriculum-based family events.
- Plan and lead preschool orientation for new families, ensuring a welcoming transition and providing families with the information and resources needed to establish a successful school-family partnership.
- Oversee and facilitate effective communication with families to foster strong partnerships that support student success, family engagement, and positive school-home relationships.
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners to enrich children’s learning experiences and provide resources and support to families.
Certification, Knowledge and Skills:
· Hold a valid Connecticut 092 Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor certification.
· Have a minimum of five to seven years of successful teaching experience, preferably in an urban public-school setting.
· Demonstrate a commitment to NBFA’s vision, mission, and core values.
· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of early childhood pedagogy and developmentally appropriate instructional practices.
· Demonstrate the ability to coach, supervise, evaluate, and support staff members.
· Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional learning and model ongoing professional growth.
· Promote meaningful family engagement through a strength-based, family-centered approach.
· Demonstrate knowledge of and experience with the NAEYC accreditation process.
· Demonstrate strong analytical, organizational, communication, and technological skills.
· Demonstrate significant experience in early childhood education, literacy development, staff leadership, family collaboration, and the implementation of high-quality educational programming.
· Candidates who are fluent in oral and written Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese are encouraged to apply.
Benefits:
· Friendly work environment
· Health coverage includes medical and dental (generous portion of premium paid by NBFA)
· Life, AD & D, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
· NBFA offers a 403(b) Retirement Plan
· Professional Development Opportunities
· Ten (10)+ paid holidays
· Vacation / Sick Leave / Personal Time
Classification:
Full-Time/Exempt/
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
License/Certification:
- CT Teaching Certification 092 (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Bridgeport, CT 06605 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bridgeport, CT 06605: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
