Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • City of Poughkeepsie, NY

3d

About The Position

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a part-time, non-exempt 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 the listed hours are 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Lead Teacher supports children’s learning through play and positive experiences, encourages their curiosity, creativity, and confidence, and helps them progress through transitions from toddler to preschool and preschool to kindergarten. The role also includes maintaining classroom records, keeping assistants informed about classroom and program updates, and guiding staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers.

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 focused on making childcare accessible and affordable and creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and team members. The employer states that it is an equal opportunity employer 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 be committed to providing quality childcare.

Nice To Haves

• The role may suit parents seeking a schedule aligned 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 preschool to kindergarten.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including attendance and meal logs.
• Keep assistants informed about classroom and program updates, providing 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.

Benefits

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children ages 3–12 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, 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