Head Teacher, Pre-Nursery

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan seeks a part-time Head Teacher for its Turning 2s and Shabbat Together pre-nursery programs serving 2-year-olds. The position is available from January 2027 through June 2027 and may continue throughout the summer. Turning 2s is designed as a young child's first drop-off classroom experience. The programs use play-based, open-ended classes to encourage exploration, growth, and discovery, while creating inclusive and engaging environments where children and families can build community and lasting connections. The Head Teacher works with co-teachers to provide a safe, nurturing, joyful, and thoughtfully prepared classroom. The role includes designing and implementing child-centered curriculum, communicating and partnering with families, and collaborating with the teaching team. The position is in person at the JCC community center on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in a classroom setting with two-year-olds, or an advanced degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Knowledge of development and learning for children under 3.
Proactive and open to learning and growing with mentoring from supervisors and co-teachers.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, play-based, and child-centered learning.
Knowledge of Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and values.
Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with co-teachers to maintain consistent, meaningful communication with families through reflective emails, classroom updates, posts, and other forms of engagement.
Create and maintain an organized, inviting, and thoughtfully prepared classroom environment that supports children's independence, curiosity, and learning.
Foster a safe, nurturing, and joyful classroom community that prioritizes each child's well-being, development, and individual growth.
Design and implement innovative, open-ended, developmentally appropriate, child-centered curriculum that encourages exploration, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences.
Work collaboratively with the teaching team to plan, implement, and reflect on curriculum that supports children's interests, needs, and developmental goals.
Bring a warm, kind, welcoming, and reflective approach to teaching, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Participate in dedicated team planning time, full-staff meetings, and ongoing professional development.
Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with parents and caregivers through thoughtful communication, active listening, and family partnership.