EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY – EARLY LEARNING CENTER [ELC] COORDINATOR
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:
NBFA's ELC Coordinator must have experience implementing high-quality early childhood practices in a public school environment. Responsibilities focus primarily on leading the preschool classrooms to provide a high-quality early childhood learning experience for 3–5-year-old children and their families. NBFA's Early Childhood Coordinator will be responsible for fostering, nurturing and modeling NBFA as a public charter school district with a shared vision, goals and expectations for teaching and learning.
While this is a leadership position, Connecticut 092 Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor certification is not required. Candidates should possess a Connecticut 113 Integrated Early Childhood/Special Education certification; however, candidates holding a Connecticut 112 Integrated Early Childhood certification or a Connecticut 305 Elementary Education certification will also be considered.
In addition to the appropriate certification, the ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience in an early childhood or preschool setting, with demonstrated expertise in supporting young learners, collaborating with families, and leading staff to implement high-quality educational programming.
NBFA's ELC Coordinator is expected to establish and maintain productive working relationships with NBFA families and community partners, as well as school staff, 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 students, 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 a safe, organized, and high-quality learning environment.
- Develop, implement, and maintain procedures, protocols, and policies that support high-quality early childhood programming and compliance with applicable regulations.
- 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.
Preschool Instructional Leadership and Support
- Provide ongoing feedback, mentorship, and coaching to preschool staff to support 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, and implement curriculum and instructional resources that support high-quality early childhood education.
- Oversee the implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), utilizing 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 non-certified preschool instructional support staff in accordance with district policies and established performance standards.
Enrollment and Family & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with the Leadership team around 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 events, including Family conferences, Open House 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 necessary for a successful partnership.
- Oversee and facilitate effective communication with families, fostering strong partnerships that support student success, family engagement, and positive school-home relationships.
- Build relationships with external partners to enrich children’s experiences and/or support families
Other Related Responsibilities:
- Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal or Director
- Serves as an integral member of a district-wide instructional team
Certification, Knowledge and Skills:
- Be committed to the district's vision and core values
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of early childhood pedagogy
- Demonstrate ability to coach and support staff members
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social-emotional learning strategies to support the development of the whole-child
- Promote a positive school culture with both staff and students
- Model personal professional development and be committed to continuous learning
- Be a results-oriented thought partner
- Promote family engagement and a strengths-based family centered approach
- Maintain a 113, 112, or 305 Educator certification from the State of Connecticut
- Knowledge and experience with NAEYC Accreditation
- Has 5–7 years of teaching experience in urban public schools and/or extensive leadership experience in a preschool setting.
- Demonstrate strong analytical and technological skills
- Candidates fluent in oral and written Spanish, French Creole or Portuguese 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/11-month position
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 113, 112, or 305 (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Bridgeport, CT 06605 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bridgeport, CT 06605: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
