Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Lloyd, 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 role: approximately 80–90% of each day is spent working directly with children in ratio as the Lead Teacher. A smaller portion is devoted to administrative and leadership responsibilities, completed in short blocks during the day or outside direct classroom time.

The role focuses on teaching, leading by example, and supporting program quality in a team-based environment. Responsibilities include planning and implementing developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum, using CLASS strategies to promote positive adult-child interactions, observing and assessing children, and maintaining a safe and nurturing classroom aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards. The position also involves family engagement, continuous improvement, center operations, regulatory compliance, records, staff support, and coordination with internal teams.

The position is part-time and non-exempt, with approximately 25–30 hours per week scheduled within center hours of 6:30 AM–6:30 PM. Pay is $17.00–$20.00 per hour. The center is located in Poughkeepsie, NY.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 12 credits in early childhood, child development, or a related field, plus 1 year of teaching and 1 year of supervisory experience; or a NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year of teaching and 1 year of supervisory experience; or 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 collaborate with staff and families.
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs. and actively engage with children.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom and work directly with children during 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 worked.
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree