POST YOUR OPEN POSITIONS WITH THE NETWORK

Position: Nature Based Children’s Programs Manager
Salary: $55,000 – 60,000 annually
Location: New Haven

Description: This is a rare opening for a leadership role at Common Ground. We are seeking a Program Manager who loves kids, wants to be physically active (outside, year round!), and whose ideal job includes a mix of direct teaching, program administration, and hands-on work like feeding chickens and weed whacking the garden. Our biggest priority is a candidate who is an experienced program manager and outdoor educator, with strong skills and employment history in these areas. This position works weekdays through 6 PM and also works most holidays (with compensatory PTO for holiday work). After school programs, summer camp, and school vacation day programs are core responsibilities of this job. The work load may vary seasonally, with some seasons of up to 50 hours per week and other seasons with a lighter schedule – the work is intended to average no more than 40 hours per week over the year.

Apply by Date: June 26, 2026

Click here to access job information and how to apply.

Position: Lead & Assistant Instructors
Salary: $18.00 – 20.00/hour

Location: Griswold

Description: Lead and Assistant Instuctors needed for Wolverines Forward Before and After School Program.

Key Responsibilities: Supervise and engage students in a variety of enriching activities aligned with the program calendar and schedule. Create a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment for children and families. Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating respect, responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism. Support students in developing self-confidence, independence, and positive social-emotional skills. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized program environment. Utilize positive behavior management strategies and developmentally appropriate guidance techniques to encourage student success. Communicate concerns and collaborate with the Wolverines Forward Coordinator to support student needs. Attend family engagement events, monthly staff meetings, and required professional development opportunities.

Qualifications:

• Passion for working with children and supporting their growth and development.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to create positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Reliable, responsible, and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience working with children in educational, recreational, or childcare settings is preferred.

Training Requirements: All staff are required to complete Connecticut State Department of Education training requirements within the first 90 days of employment, including:

• CPR Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Medication Administration Training
• Care4Kids Health and Safety Training
• Additional required professional development as assigned.

Apply by Date: July 25, 2026

Click here to access job information and how to apply.

Position: School Age Director
Salary: $60,000 – 65,000 annually
Location: Manchester

Manchester Early Learning Center (MELC) has been a trusted partner for Manchester families for nearly 50 years. As a non-profit, NAEYC-accredited organization, we provide year-round, quality educational experiences for preschool and school-age children across multiple sites — including our Preschool Center and before-and-after school programs in every Manchester Public Schools elementary school and Bennet Academy.

Description: We are looking for an energetic, passionate, and experienced leader to join our team as School-Age Director. In this role, you will oversee designated school-age sites, providing leadership and support to full-time Program Managers who run each location. You’ll shape the quality of programming, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure children receive safe, engaging, and developmentally rich experiences every day. This is an exempt, full-time position — a meaningful leadership opportunity for someone who is ready to make a real impact across a growing, community-rooted organization.

Summary of Responsibility: The School-Age Program Director oversees and assures appropriate operations of MELC’s school-age programming across all sites. Through direct supervision of Program Managers, this position ensures that programs are meeting expectations, continuously improving in quality, and operating in compliance with all licensing, accreditation, and grant requirements. The School-Age Program Director works in close partnership with the Director of Programs and Director of Operations to advance MELC’s mission and provides welcoming, professional service to all students, families, staff, and community partners.

Essential Functions: Supervise (hire, evaluate, and support) Program Managers; assist with the supervision of Senior Group Leaders, Group Leaders, and Front Desk Staff. Ensure an environment that facilitates achievement of program and youth development outcomes, with overall responsibility for the cleanliness, attractiveness, and safety of properties and equipment across all school-age sites. Lead quality improvement of programs by conducting program evaluations, classroom and site observations, and providing regular structured feedback to staff. Ensure all school-age programs operate in compliance with the standards and requirements of MELC’s licensing and accrediting bodies, including the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Oversee that all grant-funded programs and positions, including 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) and State Department of Education (SDE) sites, meet program expectations and reporting requirements, in coordination with the Director of Programs. Manage effective recruiting, hiring, training, and scheduling of school-age staff in partnership with the Learning and Talent Coordinator. Partner with the Learning and Talent Coordinator to support onboarding, ongoing professional development, and credentialing of school-age staff. Provide oversight of school-age workforce development initiatives, including the Work Program and Senior Group Leader (SGL) program, in coordination with the Learning and Talent Coordinator. Oversee enrollment for all school-age sites, ensuring programs are enrolled to capacity and that incoming children meet enrollment requirements. Build and maintain effective working relationships with public school district partners, host school administrators, and community organizations. Coordinate with the Director of Operations on school-age transportation logistics, including bus schedules, routing, and communication with drivers. Oversee compliance with the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Afterschool Snack Program (ASP) at participating school-age sites, including documentation, meal counts, and reporting requirements. Communicate effectively and professionally with parents, guardians, and family members, including managing escalated concerns and family engagement initiatives. Compile, analyze, and report program data, including attendance, participation, and program outcomes, in support of grant reporting and organizational planning. Monitor school-age program budgets, including site-level expenditures and purchasing, in coordination with the Director of Programs. Respond to incidents, emergencies, and family or staff concerns in a timely and professional manner, escalating to leadership as appropriate. Act in the best interest of the organization, reflecting the values of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect. Perform other duties as needed or directed.

Qualifications & Compentencies:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Youth Development, Recreation, Human Services, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience, preferably in a school-age, youth development, or educational site.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with school-age children.
• Multi-site management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of OEC licensing requirements and best practices in school-age program quality.
• Experience with grant-funded programming and grant compliance reporting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with staff, families, school district partners, and community stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new software and database systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Commitment to MELC’s mission and values. Manchester Early Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer

Apply by Date: JUN 2026

How to apply and process:  Send resume and cover letter to Astrauch@melearning.org, Jennifer@melearning.org

Position: Head Teacher
Salary: $22.00/hour
Location: West Hartford

Description: Seeking CPR/ First Aid certs, Head Teacher certification, Split schedule makes great flexibility. Liaison between school and parents.

Apply by Date: August 25, 2026

How to apply and process:  Contact Amanda Velletri by email or call 860-306-8408, Looking ASAP!