Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Town of Wappinger, NY

6d • 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 involves supporting children’s learning through play and positive experiences, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and building relationships with children and families. The Lead Teacher helps smooth transitions from toddler to preschool and preschool to kindergarten, maintains classroom records, and provides leadership, guidance, training, and updates to assistants and other program staff. The position is scheduled within the stated hours of 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and pays $17.00 per hour.

Healthy Kids Programs describes the role as a fit for people who are energetic, kind, patient, reliable, organized, and effective communicators who work well with a team. The organization provides childcare for employees’ school-age children, ages 3–12, enrolled in its program during the days and hours the employee works.

Healthy Kids Programs operates Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations. It describes itself as a certified Benefit Corporation whose mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable while creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and team members. The employer states that it is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and makes hiring decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

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 demonstrate a commitment to providing quality childcare.

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 of classroom and program updates, and provide training and guidance as needed.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers.
• Help children learn through play and positive experiences, and encourage their curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
• Work collaboratively with teammates and communicate effectively with families.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 3–12) enrolled in the program during the employee’s workdays and work hours.
• Telehealth coverage.
• Vision coverage.
• Dental coverage.
• AFLAC supplemental plans.
• 401(k) for eligible employees.
• Paid sick time.
• On-demand 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