Early Childhood - Head Teacher

Summary

The mission of Cavalry Nursery School is to nurture each child’s development in a safe and inspirational environment. Children learn through joyful play. We are inspired by various teaching philosophies, including Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia traditions. Our goal is to allow children’s imaginations to wander freely. Cavalry Nursery School is a non-profit, community ministry of Cavalry Episcopal Church. We welcome children and staff from all backgrounds and traditions, with no denominational expectations or requirements.

The Cavalry Nursery School Head Teacher supports the Director in planning and implementing a high-quality early childhood program at Cavalry Nursery School. The Head Teacher leads a cohesive and dedicated teaching team and oversees curriculum planning and the daily classroom operations. The Head Teacher follows the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct and Standards, and fosters a safe, stimulating environment that promotes children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. The Head Teacher is familiar with and can blend the various educational philosophies associated with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf, to create a rich, dynamic experience for students. The Head Teacher embraces nature and play as central learning pathways for students at Calvary Nursery School. Strong communication skills with both children and adults are essential; the Head Teacher is responsible for building collaborative relationships with families and working closely with colleagues to support the success of each child.

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, from late August to early June. Calvary Nursery School follows the Stonington Public School calendar.

Duties

• Foster each child's curiosity and personal growth, while developing meaningful relationships with children and their families through a nature-based, child-centered approach.
• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early childhood learning standards, creating engaging classroom activities.
• Plan individual and group activities that support cognitive, social, and emotional development, supporting exploration, experimentation, and creativity in learning.
• Communicate regularly with parents through informal discussions, progress updates, and conferences, ensuring strong parent-teacher partnerships.
• Be on campus at least 60% of the school week.
• Ensure compliance with all school policies and state regulations.
• Maintain a healthy classroom environment, adhering to hygiene, cleanliness, safety, and security standards.
• Lead by example to encourage team success, providing guidance, modeling, and coaching to teaching staff.
• Work with the teaching team to continuously assess and enhance the physical classroom environment to meet students’ evolving developmental needs.
• Work with the Rector of the Cavalry Church, and the CNS Director to integrate spiritual and ethical themes in the preschool curriculum.
• Keep accurate records, forms, and files as necessary.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to support continuous growth and improvement per state regulations.
• Support daily operations, including snack preparation, classroom and play yard setup, and cleanup.
• Contribute to weekly communications with the school community.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in early childhood education.
• Excellent communication and basic computer skills.
• Familiarity with CT-ELDS standards and pedagogical methods associated with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches. Embrace of nature- and play-based curriculum.
• High energy, teamwork skills, and ability to create a collaborative environment with staff, children, and parents.
• Enthusiasm for various enrichment programs that support growth and development for both children and staff.
• Strong understanding of child development principles.
• Openness to working in a Church-affiliated school, supporting progressive, inclusive values from the Episcopal tradition in the preschool curriculum.
• Certification in infant/child CPR and First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
• Successful completion of a full background check and health exams.
• Associate's Degree or higher in early childhood education or related field, or CDA certification or equivalent experience.
• Applicant must meet CT OEC Head Teacher qualifications.
• Proven leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Two professional references.

Benefits

Available upon qualification.