Educational Director & Preschool Lead Teacher

Imagine Early Learning Centers•Port Washington, NY

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Imagine Early Learning Centers is seeking a New York State-certified Birth–2 leader for its Port Washington, New York center, which serves children from 2 months to 5 years old. This full-time role combines oversight of daily center operations with direct service as the lead teacher in a preschool classroom. The position requires maintaining classroom ratios and delivering a high-quality learning curriculum. The successful candidate will be mentored by and collaborate with experienced early childhood leaders, while working with upper-level management on center and company-wide initiatives. The role includes supporting employee ownership culture, maintaining high-quality standards, developing and implementing curriculum, training staff collaboratively, building relationships with families, and supporting recruitment, community outreach, enrollment, and talent acquisition. Familiarity with Developmentally Appropriate Practice and NAEYC standards is preferred; prior leadership experience alongside preschool classroom experience is a plus.

Requirements

Master's degree.
New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–2), Elementary, or Special Education; the position description also specifies NYS Teacher Certification Birth–2 as required.
At least 1 year of leadership or supervisory experience, such as Program Director, Assistant Director, Program Coordinator, or Supervising Lead Teacher.
At least 2 years of experience as an early childhood educator.
Ability to perform active early-learning duties, including lifting children, pushing strollers or buggies, sitting at floor level, and leading outdoor activities year-round.

Nice To Haves

Strong familiarity with Developmentally Appropriate Practice and NAEYC standards.
Previous leadership experience combined with preschool classroom experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in designing and delivering dynamic, developmentally appropriate curriculum, including Imagine's BLOOMING Curriculum.
Balance administrative director operations with daily classroom teaching responsibilities and ensure seamless classroom ratio coverage.
Maintain compliance with DOH licensing, DOE guidelines, and NAEYC principles.
Foster warm, open, and supportive communication with families, staff members, and advisory boards.
Use strong written communication to inform and inspire the community.
Champion the ESOP program and help cultivate an employee-ownership culture.
Support creative curriculum development, implementation, and collaborative staff training.
Build meaningful relationships with families and support recruitment, community outreach, enrollment, and talent efforts.
Perform active early-learning duties, including lifting children, pushing strollers or buggies, sitting at floor level, and leading outdoor activities year-round.

Benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) retirement benefit at no cost to eligible team members.
Full-time employees accrue 22 vacation days and 7 sick days annually.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
Prudential life and AD&D insurance equal to one times annual salary, at no cost.
Commuter benefits for transit and parking.
Voluntary short-term disability, accident, and hospital insurance.
Tuition reimbursement and degree incentive reward.
Educational support programs.
Mental health support, including three fully covered therapy visits per year.
Childcare discount where available.
Continuous professional development and career advancement paths.
TicketsatWork access.
$500 taxable sign-on bonus, paid after 3 months of successful employment.