Preschool Educator/Teacher – Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI®)

About the role

The Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI®) is an innovative, research-based early childhood program focused on closing the early learning achievement gap through play-based education, language development, literacy, and STEAM experiences.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement engaging, play-based learning experiences that promote early literacy, language development, social-emotional growth, and STEAM exploration.
• Foster a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom where every child feels valued and supported.
• Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress.
• Collaborate with teaching team members to implement ELLI's research-based curriculum.
• Maintain an organized, stimulating classroom environment that encourages curiosity and creativity.
• Support children's daily routines, including meals, toileting, transitions, outdoor play, and rest time.
• Communicate regularly with families through daily updates, conferences, family events, and workshops.
• Ensure compliance with NAEYC standards and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood licensing regulations.

Requirements

• Required: Associate's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR Bachelor's Degree in a related field with at least 12 credits in Child Development or Early Childhood Education identified by OEC.
• Minimum one (1) year of professional preschool or early childhood classroom experience.
• Preferred: Experience teaching preschool-aged children (3–5 years).
• Knowledge of Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).
• Experience implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Experience partnering with families.
• Bilingual Spanish/English.

Qualifications

• Required: Associate's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education OR Bachelor's Degree in a related field with at least 12 credits in Child Development or Early Childhood Education identified by OEC.
• Minimum one (1) year of professional preschool or early childhood classroom experience.
• Preferred: Experience teaching preschool-aged children (3–5 years).
• Knowledge of Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).
• Experience implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum.
• Strong classroom management and communication skills.
• Experience partnering with families.
• Bilingual Spanish/English.

Skills

• Passionate about early childhood education and the belief that children learn best through play, exploration, and meaningful relationships.
• Creative, patient, collaborative, and committed to helping every child build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance policy, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, 403(b) retirement plan, generous paid time off, professional growth, coaching and mentorship, career advancement opportunities, and ongoing training in early childhood education, literacy, and child development.

Pay

$20.19 – $22.60 per hour

Schedule

Full-Time | Year-Round