Educational Instructor/Manager

The Pedagogical Manager is responsible for overseeing the educational vision and daily instructional quality of the daycare program. This role combines curriculum leadership, teacher development, and regulatory compliance, aligning with the requirements of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). The manager ensures that all classrooms provide nurturing, play-based, culturally responsive learning experiences for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, adhering to the standards set forth by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS), providing lesson-planning frameworks and ensuring continuity across age groups. This includes leading the way in curriculum leadership, ensuring that all classrooms are delivering the highest quality of educational experiences.
• Mentor educators through observations, feedback cycles, modeling, and professional development, supporting staff in classroom management, instructional strategies, and documentation practices. This involves building strong relationships with teachers and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed in their roles.
• Maintain compliance with Connecticut OEC licensing standards, health and safety requirements, staff-child ratios, and documentation protocols, ensuring that the daycare program is operating in a safe and regulatory-compliant environment.
• Build strong relationships with families through conferences, communication plans, and workshops, supporting teachers in culturally responsive communication and ensuring that families are engaged and involved in their child's education.
• Conduct classroom walkthroughs, review child assessments, and ensure alignment with program goals and accreditation standards, such as those set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
• Train new educators on curriculum, routines, safety, and pedagogical expectations, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality educational experiences.
• Oversee developmental screenings, portfolios, and progress reports, ensuring that documentation is accurate and meaningful. This includes analyzing child-outcome data and guiding instructional adjustments to ensure that every child is receiving the best possible education.
• Lead initiatives to enhance learning environments, materials, and instructional practices, working collaboratively with the Center Director and administrative team to drive program development and growth.
• Collaborate with the Center Director and administrative team to ensure the smooth operation of the daycare program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (Master’s preferred). Head Teacher Certification is a must.
• Minimum 3–5 years classroom experience in early childhood settings.
• Experience mentoring or supervising educators.
• NAEYC Standards familiarity
• Strong knowledge of CT ELDS, CT OEC regulations, and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Experience with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or play-based approaches
• Ability to analyze child-outcome data and guide instructional adjustments
• Bilingual abilities Spanish/English
• Strong conflict-resolution and coaching skills

Work Environment & Expectations

• Full-time, on-site leadership role
• Regular classroom observations and hands-on modeling
• Occasional evening family events or staff trainings

• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development