Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Hillsdale, MI

1d • $20 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is seeking 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 through 3 years, providing nurturing care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. The position combines hands-on teaching and caregiving with limited blocks of administrative and leadership work; administrative duties do not replace the primary classroom responsibilities. The schedule is approximately 25–30 hours per week within center hours of 6:30 AM–6:30 PM. The role is part-time and non-exempt, with pay of $20.00–$22.00 per hour.

The Lead Teacher plans and implements activities supporting children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development; follows children's routines and developmental needs; conducts observations and assessments; and maintains a safe, clean, nurturing classroom. The position also involves family communication, parent-teacher conferences, program-quality activities, regulatory compliance, center operations, records, staff support, and coordination with internal teams.

Healthy Kids Programs provides early learning, before- and after-school, and summer camp programs at more than 150 locations. The organization describes itself as a certified Benefit Corporation focused on accessible, affordable childcare and meaningful opportunities for children, families, and team members. It states that it is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: bachelor's degree with 12 or more credits in early childhood, child development, or a related field, plus 1 year of teaching and 1 year of supervisory experience; NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year of teaching and 1 year of supervisory experience; associate’s degree in early childhood or a related field with a plan toward a bachelor’s degree or administrator credential, plus 2 years of teaching and 2 years of supervisory experience; or CDA or OCFS-recognized credential with a plan of study, plus 2 years of teaching and 2 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and interest in working with infants and toddlers.
• Warm, nurturing, patient, and dependable approach.
• Ability to build strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Comfort taking a leadership role in the classroom.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young children.

Responsibilities

• Lead a classroom serving children ages 10 months through 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 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 and 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 NYS OCFS requirements and ensure compliance with NYS OCFS Day Care regulations.
• Support daily center operations and scheduling.
• 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, allowing 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