Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Wappinger, NY

16h • $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, part-time role: approximately 80–90% of the day is spent working directly with children in ratio as the Lead Teacher. Administrative and leadership tasks are handled in shorter blocks during the day or outside direct classroom time.

The role 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 approximately 25–30 hours per week, scheduled within the center’s operating hours of 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pay is $17.00–$20.00 per hour.

Healthy Kids Programs provides childcare for school-age children ages 5–12 enrolled in its program on the days and during the hours the employee works. Employer contributions cover the cost of that care. The organization operates Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations and describes itself as a certified benefit corporation focused on making childcare accessible and affordable and positively impacting communities.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: bachelor’s degree with at least 12 credits in early childhood, child development, or a related field, plus one year of teaching and one year of supervisory experience; NYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus one year of teaching and one 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 two years of teaching and two years of supervisory experience; or CDA or OCFS-recognized credential with a plan of study, plus two years of teaching and two 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 and professional, and able to work collaboratively with staff and families.
• Be 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 most 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 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 New York 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, vision, and 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