Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

Healthy Kids Programs • Livingston, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is seeking an Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader to join their team at Taconic Hills Elementary School. This part-time, non-exempt role involves leading a classroom for children aged 10 months to 3 years, focusing on creating a nurturing environment for learning and development. A unique benefit of this position is the option for employees to bring their own children (of all ages served by the program) to work, with employer-paid childcare provided during working hours. The role combines hands-on teaching and caregiving with administrative and leadership responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with NYS OCFS regulations and supporting staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (12+ credits in early childhood, child development, or related field) plus 1 year teaching and 1 year supervisory experience OR NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year teaching and 1 year supervisory experience OR Associate’s degree in early childhood (or related field) with plan toward bachelor’s or administrator credential plus 2 years teaching and 2 years supervisory experience OR CDA or OCFS-recognized credential with plan of study plus 2 years teaching and 2 years supervisory experience
• Medically cleared to work in a childcare setting; free of communicable diseases including TB
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Dependable, professional, and able to work collaboratively with staff and families
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs. and actively engage with children

Nice To Haves

• Enjoys working with infants and toddlers.
• Is warm, nurturing, patient, and dependable.
• Builds strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Is comfortable taking a leadership role in the classroom.
• Has strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Can balance hands-on teaching and caregiving with leadership responsibilities.
• Is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young children.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Teacher in a classroom serving children ages 10 months–3 years.
• Work directly with children throughout the majority of the day.
• Provide nurturing, responsive care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Plan and implement activities that support 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 positive, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Maintain regular communication with families regarding 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 children's 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 NYS OCFS requirements.
• Support daily center operations and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with NYS OCFS Day Care regulations.
• 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 school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
• Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage
• AFLAC supplemental plans
• 401(k) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time
• On-demand pay – access earned wages before your scheduled payday for added financial flexibility
• Career development and growth opportunities

What This Job Offers

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