Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Greenport, NY

3d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring an Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader at Taconic Hills Elementary School in Craryville, New York. The role leads a classroom serving children ages 10 months to 3 years and creates a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive. The position is part-time, non-exempt, approximately 25–30 hours per week, scheduled within center hours of 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

The role combines hands-on teaching and caregiving with limited blocks of administrative and leadership work. The lead teacher works directly with children for most of the day, provides responsive care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and supports children's development across social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language domains. The position also involves family communication, program quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and support for center operations and staff.

Eligible children of all ages served by Healthy Kids Programs may receive employer-paid childcare during the employee's working hours. Healthy Kids Programs operates Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations and is a certified Benefit Corporation focused on accessible and affordable childcare and meaningful opportunities for children, families, and team members.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a bachelor's degree with 12 or more credits in early childhood, child development, or a related field, plus one year of teaching and one year of supervisory experience; a New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential plus one year of teaching and one year of supervisory experience; an associate's degree in early childhood or a related field with a plan toward a bachelor's degree or administrator credential, plus two years of teaching and two years of supervisory experience; or a CDA or OCFS-recognized credential with a plan of study, plus two years of teaching and two years of supervisory experience.
• Be medically cleared to work in a childcare setting and free of communicable diseases, including TB.
• Have strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Be dependable, professional, and able to work collaboratively with staff and families.
• Be physically able to lift up to 50 pounds and actively engage with children.
• Be able to balance hands-on teaching and caregiving with leadership responsibilities.
• Be committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young children.

Responsibilities

• Lead a classroom serving children ages 10 months to 3 years and work directly with children throughout most of the day.
• Provide nurturing, responsive care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Plan and implement activities supporting children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
• Follow individual children's routines, interests, developmental needs, and emerging skills.
• Conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, clean, and engaging classroom environment.
• Promote positive adult-child interactions using CLASS strategies and other developmentally appropriate practices.
• Support daily routines, including meals, diapering/toileting, rest, transitions, and other care needs.
• Build trusting relationships with children and families and communicate regularly about children's experiences and development.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
• Assist with enrollment efforts, open houses, and community outreach activities.
• Use Creative Curriculum and other early childhood practices to support development and learning.
• Participate in CLASS, ECERS/ITERS, and other program quality observations and improvement efforts.
• Participate in professional development and required training.
• Help maintain a high-quality program that meets applicable New York State OCFS requirements.
• Support daily center operations and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with New York State OCFS Day Care regulations and maintain required child and program records.
• Support staff onboarding, training, and supervision.
• Coordinate classroom supplies and materials.
• Collaborate with HR, enrollment, and regional leadership teams.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for eligible children of all ages served by the programs during the employee's working hours.
• Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage.
• AFLAC supplemental plans.
• 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Paid sick time.
• On-demand pay with access to earned wages before the scheduled payday.
• Career development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree