Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Ghent, NY

6d • $20 - $22 • 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 role involves leading a classroom for children aged 10 months to 3 years, creating a nurturing environment for learning and growth. A unique benefit of this position is the ability to bring your own child to work, with employer-paid childcare provided for eligible children during working hours.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (12+ credits in early childhood, child development, or related field) plus 1 year teaching and 1-year supervisory experience
• NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year teaching and 1-year supervisory experience
• 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
• 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 eligible children of all ages served by our programs during your working hours
• 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