Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Wappinger, NY

4d • $17 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is seeking a hands-on Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher to support and lead the Preschool classroom at its Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. This is primarily a classroom-based position, with approximately 80–90% of the day spent working directly with children in ratio as the Lead Teacher. Administrative and leadership duties occupy a smaller portion of the role and are completed in short blocks throughout the day or outside direct classroom time. The position is intended for an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys teaching, leading by example, and contributing to program quality in a supportive, team-based environment.

The role includes planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum; promoting positive adult-child interactions using CLASS strategies; conducting child observations and developmental assessments; maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards; and communicating with families. It also supports continuous program improvement, center operations, regulatory compliance, recordkeeping, staff onboarding and supervision, and coordination with internal teams.

The position is part-time, non-exempt, and pays $17.00–$20.00 per hour. The schedule is approximately 25–30 hours per week within center hours of 6:30 AM–6:30 PM. The position is located at the Healthy Kids Programs Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Requirements

• One of the following education and experience combinations is required: a 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; a NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year of teaching and 1 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 2 years of teaching and 2 years of supervisory experience; or a CDA or OCFS-recognized credential with a plan of study, plus 2 years of teaching and 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Must be medically cleared to work in a childcare setting and free of communicable diseases, including TB.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Dependable and professional, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff and families.
• Physically able to lift up to 50 pounds and actively engage with children.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom and work directly with children for the majority of the day.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum.
• Promote positive adult-child interactions using CLASS strategies.
• Conduct ongoing child observations and developmental assessments.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing classroom environment aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards.
• Communicate regularly with families through conferences, meetings, and digital platforms.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
• Assist with enrollment efforts, open houses, and community outreach.
• Use ECERS, Creative Curriculum, and CLASS observations to support continuous improvement.
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities.
• Support daily center operations and scheduling.
• Ensure compliance with NY State OCFS Day Care regulations.
• Maintain required student 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 the program on the days and during the hours the employee works.
• Telehealth coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• AFLAC supplemental plans.
• 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Paid sick time.
• On-demand pay.
• Career development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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