Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher
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 each day spent working directly with children in ratio as the Preschool Lead Teacher. Administrative and leadership duties are 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, fostering positive adult-child interactions with CLASS strategies, conducting child observations and developmental assessments, and maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards. The position also involves communicating with families, participating in conferences and outreach, supporting continuous program improvement and professional development, and assisting with center operations, regulatory compliance, records, staff support, and classroom materials. The role is part-time and non-exempt, 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 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 lbs. 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, vision, and dental coverage.
- AFLAC supplemental plans.
- 401(k) for eligible employees.
- Paid sick time.
- On-demand pay.
- Career development and growth opportunities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
Associate degree
