Principal: Early Learning Center SY25/26

The Early Learning Center Community:

The Malden Early Learning Center (ELC) has been the educational ground breaker for the children of Malden for over 20 years. The ELC has been providing children from diverse backgrounds ages 3- 5 years old with a robust educational experience. Using the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) preschool standards as a foundation for success the staff works to develop our students academic social and emotional skills. We strive to ensure the time our students spend at the ELC is fun engaging and full of a variety of learning opportunities. Play is a big part of learning. Throughout the school day children are provided times to develop their play skills and social skills. Staff actively fosters an environment where play is essential to learning. Staff employs both a supportive structured environment as well as helping students develop their independence through play. The ELC has an indoor play space gym and an outdoor playground.

The ELC serves over 250 preschool students annually offering a range of programs from inclusion to intensive learning all guided by a team of 22 dedicated teachers. Each classroom is supported by a group of educational professionals formerly known as paraprofessionals who work closely with students and teachers to foster a dynamic language-rich environment. To enhance learning the ELC provides every student with the opportunity to explore Music Art and Physical Education enriching their educational experience.

The ELC staff prioritizes family engagement taking a collaborative approach to ensure every childs needs are met. Strong partnerships between teachers and parents are maintained through parent-teacher conferences Class Dojo phone calls and emails keeping families informed about their childs progress. Beyond the classroom families actively contribute to the school community by volunteering as mystery readers participating in the ELC PTO and joining the school council. All families are welcomed and encouraged to be part of the ELC experience.

The ELC is proud to serve a diverse community remaining committed to honoring and celebrating the uniqueness of every student and family.

• Location: The Early Learning Center (ELC) is located at 240 Mountain Ave. in central Malden.
• Hours: Full Day Session: 8:00- 2:00 Morning Session: 8:00- 11:00 Afternoon Session: 11:30- 2:00 Students may attend 5- Days (M-F) 3- Days (M W F) or 2- Days (T- Th).

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day building administration and safety/welfare of students and staff
• Provide instructional leadership to staff including curriculum planning review and implementation and professional development
• Establish adjust and oversee preschool programs so that they address and meet the needs of students with and without disabilities
• Oversee the before school programs
• Execute supervisory responsibilities i.e. interviewing hiring and ensuring the training of ELC teachers paraprofessionals and specialists; evaluating the performances of teachers paraprofessionals specialists at the ELC ;
• Develop school schedule and oversee/coordinate scheduling process
• Manage and evaluate all non-instructional building staff (custodians administrative assistants)
• Enforce school/district policies
• Manage grant funds and tuition; work with business office and administration to establish and monitor budget; oversee collection of tuition
• Establish priorities for the purchase of educational materials to meet the needs of students and teachers with allowable funds
• Write and oversee early childhood grants EC SPED Allocation Inclusive Preschool Coordinated Family and Community Engagement and any additional RFPs from the Dept. of EEC and DESE
• Work collaboratively with early intervention programs to evaluate referred children determine eligibility and if eligible have a program in place by their third birthday
• Oversee coordinate and complete NAEYC accreditation activities and processes for all five K-8 schools kindergarten programs including annual reports intents to renew self-study applications for certification and program portfolios for visitations
• Order and distribute screening forms and schedule/collect results of K screening district-wide
• Participate in district leadership meetings
• Collaborate with community agencies and early childhood stakeholders to coordinate community activities and involvement
• Oversee the Coordinated Family and community Engagement Network and its community activities (e.g. parent trainings play groups etc.)
• Collaborate with district hearing specialist to order and maintain auditory equipment
• Work with staff to complete EECs Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) in order to obtain Level III
• Other duties as assigned by Superintendent of Schools

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have

• Massachusetts DESE licensure as a Principal and SEI Admin Endorsement;
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education;
• A Masters degree or higher in educational administration or related field;
• Prior experience in administration including staff evaluation/supervision and program development
• Experience as a preschool educator;
• Strong understanding of early childhood issues and topics including: NAEYC accreditation process special education regulations Early Intervention; PBIS and CFCE;
• Experience in a diverse urban community;
• Strong background in instructional support and supervision;
• High expectations for all students and staff members;
• Experience with grant writing and management;
• Experience working as a member of a school team responsible for the organization and operation of the schools instructional and student support/discipline programs;
• Deep commitment to promoting and advocating for the educational opportunities for all students regardless of program or background;
• Experience with a range of services including English Language Learners and students with disabilities;
• Excellent organizational and management skills;
• Excellent interpersonal communication and collaboration skills;
• Deep commitment to building a collaborative learning community among the schools administrators teachers and staff;
• Demonstrated ability to perform the responsibilities below as evidenced by course work educational experience school-level involvement and/or system-wide professional activities and the interview process.

To Apply: Submit letter of interest highlighting qualifications for the position via TalentEd.

Reports To: Superintendent of Schools

Terms of Employment: Twelve-month work year. Salary commensurate with experience.

Evaluation: Performance-based evaluation and compensation in accordance with School Committee policy.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Malden Public Schools is committed to cultivating an ethnically racially and linguistically diverse and inclusive environment where different backgrounds and perspectives are celebrated. We believe the differences within our environment will positively impact student outcomes and benefit our employees and community. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin pregnancy gender identity sexual orientation marital/civil union status ancestry place of birth age citizenship status veteran status political affiliation genetic information or disability as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.