DescriptionVacancy is in the Early Learning Center of the Department of Families, Children, Youth, and Recreation. Under direction, responsible for a wide range of functions in the operation of the City’s Early Learning Centers including, but not limited to, creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment; planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and research-based instructional practices to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of children; the preparation and maintenance of a clean and organized classroom; and fostering strong and positive relationships with the children, parents, and colleagues. Supervises subordinate staff, administers developmental assessments and participates in carrying out a program of developmentally appropriate activities based on individual needs of children. Conducts employee evaluations and resolves standard peronnel matters. Ensures the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing guidance and supervision of all activities and fulfilling mandated reporting obligations as necessary. Responsible for preparing reports and other documents as required to comply with federal, state, municipal, and accrediting agency requirements. Orients and trains employees and substitute workers in the Early Learning Centers. Assists in the intakes of new families and children. Fosters positive relationships with the children by providing support for self-help skills, including, but not limited to, dressing, hygiene, and toilet training. Schedules conferences with parents and confers with parents on learning objectives, children’s behavior and recommends methods to provide the best environment for development of the children. Notifies appropriate personnel and reports any unusual behavior or concerns observed in children. Schedules and participates in staff meetings and attends related conferences as required. Deals with emergencies as needed and reports all injuries and illnesses in accordance with policies and procedures and the law.
The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.
Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesThe examination will consist of rating your training and experience as contained on your application. It may also include a written test, an oral test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. The examination will be designed to measure the following:
Thorough Knowledge of: - Principles and methods of supervising both adults and children.
- Early childhood development, theories, and research-based effective instructional techniques for children aged six weeks to six years old in a group setting.
- Health and personal hygiene of children.
- Safety precautions within an early learning education environment.
- Principles of observation, assessment, planning and implementing instructions for young children in individual and group environments.
- Symptoms of physical and emotional disorders in children.
- Behavioral management techniques.
Ability to: - Instruct children in games, simple crafts, and various play activities.
- Maintain order and address behavioral problems.
- Maintain confidential information and exercise discretion as needed.
- Understand interact, and respect diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, colleagues, parents, and other employees.
- Assess and document child development, identifying individual needs, and communicating progress and behaviors with parents and staff.
- Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records, reports, and data.
- Utilize various applications and technology.
- Maintain a clean and safe environment for children.
- Promote high order thinking skills in children.
- Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally.
- Supervise subordinate employees.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions Work is performed in and out of classroom settings with multiple children, which may include work in close proximity with staff and students. Outdoor classroom activities may expose staff to inclement weather, dust, and other natural occurrences outdoors. Work may include noisy environments and exposure to bodily fluids.
May be required to stand, bend, squat, or be seated on the floor for an extended amount of time during the workday. Physical demands of this position require the ability to move continuously and quickly, get up and down from the floor on a continuous basis, reach overhead, move materials for classroom activities, as well as handling pre-school aged children. Must have the ability to lift young children and objects up to 50 lbs. Must be able to demonstrate emotional regulation and react to stressful situations in a professional manner.
Qualifications Open to all applicants who meet the following qualifications: Graduation from a four-year college or university in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, Special Education or a related field AND Three (3) years of experience in Early Learning setting, including two (2) years of experience in a lead capacity.
Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements - Must possess or obtain a Head Teacher Certification from the State of Connecticut within six (6) months of appointment.
- May be required to obtain additional education, licenses, certifications, or special requirements determined by legislation or accrediting organizations.
- Required to comply with professional development standards as outlined by accrediting organizations.
If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a City physician, a drug and alcohol screening examination, and a background check. If appointed, you will be required to serve three (3) to twelve (12) months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state and municipal laws, rules and regulations.
Other Information- Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
- All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
- Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
- Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.
EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES - Hartford Residency Preferred: Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
- Veteran's Preference Form: Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form , along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
- Americans With Disabilities Act: The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need an accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
- An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
Closing Date/Time: 1/26/2026 5:00 PM Eastern