Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Wappinger, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a part-time Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher at its Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie, New York, for the 2026–2027 school year. The role involves supporting children’s learning through play and positive experiences, encouraging their curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and helping children transition from toddler to preschool and preschool to kindergarten. The Lead Teacher maintains classroom records and provides classroom updates, training, guidance, and leadership to assistants, staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers. The position is scheduled between 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and pays $17.00 per hour.

Healthy Kids Programs describes the role as a fit for people who enjoy building relationships, supporting children’s growth, and working as part of a team. The organization provides childcare for school-age children ages 3–12 enrolled in its program on the days and during the hours the employee works, with employer contributions covering the cost of care.

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 a 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 a 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.
• Communicate effectively with families and work well with teammates.

Nice To Haves

• The role may be especially well-suited to parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day, education majors or future teachers seeking hands-on experience, and retirees who enjoy mentoring children and contributing to the community.

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, and provide training and guidance as needed.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers.
• Help team members develop and succeed in their roles.
• Encourage children’s learning, curiosity, creativity, and confidence through play and positive experiences.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children ages 3–12 enrolled in the program on 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, 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