Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

Healthy Kids Programs • Highland, NY

2d • 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: approximately 80–90% of each day is spent working directly with children in ratio as the Preschool Lead Teacher. Administrative and leadership responsibilities are handled in shorter blocks throughout the day or outside direct classroom time.

The role combines teaching and classroom leadership with limited center operations and administrative duties. It is suited to an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys teaching, leading by example, and helping improve program quality in a supportive, team-based environment. The position is part-time, non-exempt, and scheduled for approximately 25–30 hours per week within center hours of 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

Healthy Kids Programs operates Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs across more than 150 locations. It describes itself as a certified benefit corporation focused on making childcare accessible and affordable and positively impacting the communities it serves. The organization emphasizes supportive workplaces, professional development, and meaningful work, and states that it is an equal opportunity employer.

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.
• One of the following education and experience combinations is required: NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential, plus 1 year of teaching and 1 year of supervisory experience.
• One of the following education and experience combinations is required: 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.
• One of the following education and experience combinations is required: 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 lbs. and actively engage with children.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom.
• 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 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