The Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) is a comprehensive, high quality language and literacy development program for all children and their families. ELLI will emphasize the social, emotional and linguistic development of children and utilize a framework for working with young children to apply current knowledge about how children develop based upon age and the individual needs of each child. ELLI links available resources, evidence on learning, and teacher strengths to answer questions that will ensure children’s future educational and life success. By partnering with the community, ELLI can be incorporated into existing daycare, preschool and after school programs in a variety of contexts including museums, colleges, housing authorities and YMCAs.

Position Overview:

The ELLI Early Childhood Teacher will work with the ELLI Lab School Manager and support the pilot design for Stepping Stones. The ELLI Early Childhood Teacher will teach in the lab pilot and work collaboratively with ELLI staff and partners including Norwalk Community College (NCC), Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA) and Literacy How to ensure quality and comprehensive teaching and learning experiences are consistently provided for children ages 3 – 5 years within a language rich, interdisciplinary environment that fosters early language and literacy development and Kindergarten readiness. The ELLI Early Childhood Teacher will be involved with the Manager, other ELLI staff, and partners in developing a unique curriculum during the pilot year (2012-2013) using the Common Core State Standards and integrating research-based best practices in early childhood education into an experiential, play-based environment. The ELLI Early Childhood Teacher will also have frequent contact with parents and families.

Position Responsibilities:

Leadership and Accountability

• Responsible for the supervision of the children at all times while they are at the facility, indoors or outdoors, or on field trips.
• At no time shall a child be left unsupervised.
• Implements and annually reviews specific written policies, plans and procedures required by applicable statute or regulation.

Learning Impact

• Plans and implements immersive, experimental and experiential learning opportunities for all children as part of a collaborative teaching team; follows a structured process of programmatic happenings and curriculum; expands and embraces the capabilities of children.
• Exhibits enthusiasm for educational innovation and a commitment to creating a child-centered environment both in the classroom and in the museum.
• Engages parents and caregivers in the learning outcomes for their children by welcoming and connecting with each parent; encourages supportive and involved relationships with each parent; builds skills for parents, caregivers and educators.
• Works collaboratively with the ELLI Lab School Manager, other ELLI staff, and museum staff and provides cross-functional learning opportunities that help embed ELLI into the daily activities of the museum.
• Documents and discusses the learning impact to determine if learning occurs the way expected by ELLI’s Operating Team and National Advisory Committee.
• Participates in ongoing professional development.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Participates in and shares learning activities that improve knowledge, skills and abilities related to early learning and literacy; actively participates and supports the work of the ELLI Team at all times.
• Partners with Stepping Stones, Norwalk Housing Authority (NHA), Norwalk Community College (NCC), and Literacy How to research and document the framework development.
• Collaborates with the Manager, ELLI staff, and museum staff to consistently create quality learning experiences for children enrolled in the ELLI Lab School.

Stewardship and Community Focus

• Acts as an ambassador and actively shares information within area communities to raise awareness of the museum and to drive visitation and participation.
• Represents Stepping Stones as a highly respected educational resource and effectively shares the vision, mission and strategies in a variety of settings.
• Proactively identifies, recruits and leverages expertise and resources to create win-win community partnerships.

Required Education and/or Certifications:

• Credentialed early childhood specialist with a Bachelors, Masters, or Doctoral degree in early childhood education, child development or human development or a four (4) year degree in a related field with at least twelve (12) credits in child development or early childhood education.
• Minimum two (2) years experience at a licensed child day care center that meets standards comparable to those in Connecticut and/or experience in group care for children 3 to 5 years.
• Valid Connecticut Teaching certification (preferred)
• First aid certified
• Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Minimum Experience/Skills:

• Combination of education and experience in early childhood programs and/or pre-school setting
• Knowledge of language and pre-literacy development
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with staff and community partners
• Creative problem-solving skills; proven ability to recommend and implement process improvements and new initiatives; strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Sensitive to diversity including individuals with physical challenges or special needs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office; proven ability to learn new systems and software