Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Wappinger, NY

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a part-time Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher for its Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, for the 2026–2027 school year. The role pays $17.00 per hour and lists hours of 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Lead Teacher supports children’s learning through play and positive experiences, encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and helps provide exceptional care. The position also involves supporting transitions from toddler to preschool and preschool to kindergarten, maintaining classroom records, and providing leadership and guidance to classroom staff and others. The posting describes the position as non-exempt.

The successful candidate is friendly, professional, reliable, patient, organized, and team-oriented; communicates effectively with families and teammates; and can lead and motivate a team. The position requires medical clearance and the ability to meet physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds. Candidates must meet one of the listed education and experience pathways.

Healthy Kids Programs provides employer-paid childcare for school-age children ages 3–12 enrolled in its program on the employee’s working days and hours. The company describes itself as a certified Benefit Corporation focused on making childcare accessible and affordable and creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and team members. It operates Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following education and experience pathways: a bachelor’s degree with at least 12 credits in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, plus one year of full-time teaching experience and one year of staff supervision experience in an early childhood setting; an associate’s degree in early childhood education or a related field with a plan of study toward a bachelor’s degree or New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential, plus two years of full-time teaching experience and two years of staff supervision experience; a New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential with one year of full-time teaching experience and one year of staff supervision experience; or a Child Development Associate (CDA) or other office-recognized credential with a plan of study toward a bachelor’s degree or New York State Children’s Program Administrator Credential, plus two years of full-time teaching experience and two years of staff supervision experience.
• Be medically cleared to perform all job duties.
• Be friendly, professional, reliable, and team-oriented.
• Be able to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Be able to lead and motivate a team and be committed to providing quality childcare.

Nice To Haves

• The role may suit parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day.
• The role may suit education majors or future teachers seeking hands-on experience with children and classroom management.
• The role may suit retirees who enjoy mentoring children and staying active.

Responsibilities

• Support smooth transitions from toddler to preschool and from preschool to kindergarten.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including attendance and meal logs.
• Keep assistants informed about classroom and program updates.
• Provide training and guidance to assistants as needed.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers.
• Help staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers grow and thrive in their roles.
• Encourage children’s curiosity, creativity, confidence, and learning through play and positive experiences.
• Work with teammates and communicate effectively with families.
• Provide quality childcare and lead and motivate a team.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children ages 3–12 enrolled in the program on the employee’s working days and hours.
• Telehealth coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• AFLAC supplemental plans.
• 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Paid sick time.
• On-demand pay, providing access to earned wages before the scheduled payday.
• Career development and growth opportunities.

What This Job Offers

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