NEEDED!

School Readiness Education Coordinator

 Who We Are Looking For

Are you a talented early childhood professional looking to help programs across our city improve their quality? Are you good at working with teachers and directors to help them be the best they can be? Are you a self-directed individual who can help craft and implement a new position while working within a collaborative structure? If you answered yes to the questions above, this position may be an opportunity for you to use your talents as a force for good in our community!

United Way is seeking a School Readiness Education Coordinator who is enthusiastic and organized to work with 21 early care and education center- and school-based programs that receive School Readiness funding. This person will work as part of a team with the School Readiness Liaison to identify program needs around meeting state quality standards and then help provide training, technical assistance, and resources to help programs improve their quality. Salary is $60,000-$65,000/year, commensurate with experience, and includes benefits. This is a two-year, grant-funded position.

What You Will Do

Ï   Conduct site visits and classroom observations of early childhood programs that receive School Readiness funds to assess program needs. You will also review records and other documentation provided by the programs to ascertain program quality.

Ï   Deliver training, coaching and support to help programs improve their quality. This could include intensive coaching (individual/group) related to teaching practices, providing support to staff about implementation of curriculum and ongoing assessments, and helping programs with planning around quality improvement.

Ï   Coordinating and connecting resources to programs tied to their assessed needs. You will help plan and coordinate professional development/in-service training needed by program staff, and develop and disseminate early childhood information and resources to support teachers, classrooms, and program quality improvement efforts.

Ï   You will work as part of a team. You will report to the School Readiness Liaison and work together as a team to support early childhood programs in centers and schools throughout New Haven. You will also work with the New Haven Early Childhood Council, a group of volunteers working to improve access to and quality of early care and education in New Haven. As a staff member at United Way, you will have supportive colleagues who are working on a variety of initiatives to improve lives in our community.

 What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• 2+ years of relevant experience teaching in and/or directing early childhood programs
• Familiarity with classroom observation tools such as the CLASS and Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scales is preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Thorough understanding of early childhood development
• Strong computer skills, with a preference for proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Community minded with high-level active listening skills and the ability to connect with people of different economic and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to analyze data and develop concise, accurate reports
• Local travel is required

About United Way

United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability grounded in racial and social justice. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. We operate according to these organizational values.

In accordance with organizational policies, this position requires a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

United Way staff are currently working hybrid, with at least two days per week in our office in New Haven.

United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To apply: www.UWGNH.org/careers

Then we have a newly created position you may be interested in!!!!

Who We Are Looking For

Are you a talented early childhood professional looking to increase access to high-quality early care and education programs across New Haven? Are you good at supporting program directors to help them be the best they can be? Do you like finding new ways of engaging families and community members in the work of expanding early care and education opportunities?  If you answered yes to the questions above, this position may be an opportunity for you to use your talents as a force for good in our community! 

United Way is seeking a School Readiness Liaison who is enthusiastic and organized to work with the 22 early care and education center- and school-based programs that receive School Readiness funding in New Haven. This person will work as part of a team with the School Readiness Education Coordinator (housed at United Way) and staff at New Haven Public Schools who manage the contracts and payments for this grants program. Salary is $75,000-$80,000/year, commensurate with experience, and includes benefits.

 What You Will Do

• Serve as the staff to the New Haven Early Childhood Council, an appointed group of volunteers who make decisions about the School Readiness grant from the Office of Early Childhood and serve as an advisory body on early childhood issues to the Mayor and Superintendent. Tasks will include preparing agendas and materials for meetings, providing orientation to new members and encouraging member participation, helping to gather and analyze data about the needs of young children, their families, and providers, and providing leadership that supports implementation of Council priorities.
• Manage the School Readiness and Quality Enhancement Grants, including designing and implementing the annual Request for Proposal process, including submitting the community application to the Office of Early Childhood; gathering and analyzing data about School Readiness and Quality Enhancement usage, effectiveness, and reach; and supporting new programs that seek to become School Readiness-funded programs. You will also work closely with staff at New Haven Public Schools, which serves as the fiscal agent for these grants, to ensure that contracts and payments are accurate and timely.
• Conduct regular site visits and classroom observations of early childhood programs that receive School Readiness funds to ensure compliance with School Readiness grant regulations. You will also review records and other documentation provided by the programs to ascertain program quality.
• Organize and facilitate monthly provider meetings for School Readiness programs. Meetings are intended to be a forum to share information and best practices, review and clarify policies, assess needs and set priorities, problem solve, share resources, and provide technical assistance on policies and practices related to the School Readiness quality components.

• Serve as the point of contact for the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC). You will attend OEC liaison meetings and respond to OEC requests for information.  
•  You will work as part of a team. You will report to the Vice President of Education and supervise the School Readiness Education Coordinator, working as a team to support early childhood programs in centers and schools throughout New Haven. As a staff member at United Way, you will have supportive colleagues who are working on a variety of initiatives to improve lives in our community.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• 5+ years of relevant experience directing early childhood programs and/or serving as a program coach or manager
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
• Thorough understanding of early childhood development
• Strong computer skills, with a preference for proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Community minded with high-level active listening skills and the ability to connect with people of different economic and ethnic backgrounds
• Ability to analyze data and develop concise, accurate reports
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of UWGNH 
• Local travel is required

About United Way

United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability grounded in racial and social justice. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. We operate according to these organizational values.

In accordance with organizational policies, this position requires a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

United Way staff are currently working hybrid, with at least two days per week in our office in New Haven.

United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. United Way of Greater New Haven is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

 To apply:  Careers | United Way of Greater New Haven (uwgnh.org)

Position Summary:  The New Haven Early Childhood Council (Council) is a citywide group of community members committed to ensuring that all New Haven children from birth to age eight have the opportunities, supports, and experiences they need to reach their full potential.  The Council includes parents, educators, government officials, health and social service agencies and other representatives from the community invested in the well-being of young children. 

The Council seeks a passionate and entrepreneurial Director to lead the Council’s work to expand access to and the quality of early care and education in New Haven.  The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the early care and education landscape in Connecticut and understand and embrace systems change work. The Director should have experience working on complex community change efforts, embrace work rooted in partnerships, and be a consummate communicator comfortable with varied audiences. The Director will drive the Council’s internal and external functions, including strategy development and implementation, communications, community engagement, fund development, and data collection and analysis. 

This is a 15-month grant-funded position, with the possibility of renewal dependent on funding.  The position will be housed at United Way of Greater New Haven. 

The Director will report to the Council Co-Chairs and Executive Committee. 

This position can be 30-40 hours/week and is benefit eligible. The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000 for full-time, depending on experience.

Responsibilities include:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Provide leadership and support to the Council in its identification of strategic priorities and avenues for implementation.
• Research and promote best practices related to early care and education through advocacy, partnerships, and influence.
• Develop and implement the Council’s advocacy priorities and coordinate supporting activities of partners.
• Create an annual scope and sequence of Council agendas that align with the mission and strategic goals of the Council.
• Collaborate with the School Readiness Liaison and School Readiness fiduciary to ensure program viability and success.

Capacity-building

• Organize and sustain an inclusive, collaborative network of constituents focused on systemic efforts to improve outcomes for young children.
• Build capacity of Council leadership by recruiting and orienting new Council members and helping to bring newer members along in leadership roles.
• Support the Council by attending Council and committee meetings, working with Chairs to continually build trust and pay attention to group dynamics to ensure work is progressing.
• Coordinate all Council meetings and communications and ensure adherence to public meeting requirements for noticing and recording meetings.
• Supervise additional Council staff/interns/consultants.

Communications and Community Engagement

• Conduct marketing and outreach to engage constituents in the Council’s work.
• Develop content for the Council website and social media to ensure beneficiaries are engaged.
• Represent the Council at statewide meetings and forums.
• Manage relationships with partners.

Financial Management & Fund Development

• Create an annual Council budget under the direction of the Council and maintain, manage, and report budget income and expenses related to the Council monthly.
• Identify potential funding sources to support the Council’s goals and priorities and work to secure those funds.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Work with the Council and its committees to develop outcome measures and collect, analyze and report data to determine progress.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Minimum 5 years work-related experience in leadership roles
• Strong interpersonal skills
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood development and education
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Demonstrated experience working in urban areas and working with government agencies and officials
• Strong background in data collection and utilization
• Proficient technology skills
• Proven leadership and management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and fiscal management
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Spanish language fluency helpful
• Proficient with MS Office365 and demonstrated comfort in learning new software/ online tools as needed.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the Council. 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

About United Way

United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability grounded in racial and social justice. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. We operate according to these organizational values.

In accordance with organizational policies, this position requires a criminal background check as a condition of employment. 

United Way staff are currently working hybrid, with at least two days per week in our office in New Haven. 

United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. United Way of Greater New Haven is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

The New Haven Early Childhood Department still has openings for students in the PreKindergarten.

Requirements: 

• MUST be a New Haven resident.
• MUST be 3 or 4 years old and
• Must NOT already enrolled in a PreK program OR be on the NHPS Magnet Pre-K waitlist

If you meet these criteria call 475-220-1463 for information about available free and low cost Pre-K programs.

According to the psychologist Peter Gray, children today are more depressed than they were during the Great Depression and more anxious than they were at the height of the Cold War. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that between 2009 and 2017, rates of depression rose by more than 60 percent among those ages 14 to 17, and 47 percent among those ages 12 to 13. This isn’t just a matter of increased diagnoses. The number of children and teenagers who were seen in emergency rooms with suicidal thoughts or having attempted suicide doubled between 2007 and 2015...

https://www-nytimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.nytimes.com/2019/08/17/opinion/sunday/childhood-suicide-depression-anxiety.amp.html

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris has an ambitious dream: screen every student for childhood trauma before entering school.

"A school nurse would also get a note from a physician that says: 'Here is the care plan for this child's toxic stress. And this is how it shows up,'" said Burke Harris, who was appointed California's first surgeon general in January.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/california-s-first-surgeon-general-screen-every-student-childhood-trauma-n1064286?fbclid=IwAR0UGx9JTtrKqgjz6vmHO3O1AxK8jNeAwnKlyI5LNuxw-YT5viUztMX4mm4

Now that we’re parents ourselves, the tables have turned. We’re faced with myriad of decisions about where to send our kids to school, which play dates to organize, where we should spend extra money in the store’s organic section or what to do when our little one is bullied. Why do our childhoods seem like the ancient past, and how did our parents survive this constant decision-making process without completely sabotaging our development?

Parents have important choices to make regarding their kids’ education—and these decisions are coming sooner and sooner. Kindergarten is seen as the new first grade and academic rigor is increasing. This means it’s even more important for parents to make sure their kids are on a good developmental footing. One of the best ways to do this is through a quality preschool education program.

But there are still plenty of people who don’t believe preschool is important or are otherwise skeptical of its benefits. We’ve asked early childhood education experts to weigh-in on some of the commons myths or misunderstandings about preschool and help explain exactly why preschool is so important...

More: https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/why-preschool-important-myths/

A new study using sophisticated brain scans found an association between screen use and the development of young children’s brains...

Source NYT

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/well/family/screen-use-tied-to-childrens-brain-development

From: https://truthabouteducation.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/the-disturbing-transformation-of-kindergarten/

One of the most distressing characteristics of education reformers is that they are hyper-focused on how students perform, but they ignore how students learn. Nowhere is this misplaced emphasis more apparent, and more damaging, than in kindergarten...

Continue reading at: https://truthabouteducation.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/the-disturbing-transformation-of-kindergarten/

Friends,

All Our Kin is looking for a Fellow in Child Care Policy to join our team! This fellowship is designed for recent college graduates who are interested in early childhood education, policy and advocacy, non-profit management, and public service. Fellows will work full-time at All Our Kin, and will be supervised and mentored by the organization’s co-founders and directors. The fellowship provides a way for bright, committed young leaders to learn more about the field of early childhood education and the nonprofit sector, and gives them an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

I’ve attached a description of the fellowship and ask that you share it widely. You can also find it on our new and improved website!

http://www.allourkin.org/job-opportunities

Thanks!
Janna

AOK%20Fellowship-2012.pdf