Temporary Lead Early Childhood Teacher

Vassar College•Poughkeepsie, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vassar College is seeking a temporary Lead Teacher for an immediate opening (leave replacement) starting May 5th, 2026, with an anticipated duration of 4-6 weeks. This role offers the opportunity to apply for a permanent position for the 2026-27 school year. As a Lead Teacher, you will develop, implement, and evaluate the classroom curriculum and be responsible for providing a high-quality educational program that reflects the goals of our laboratory nursery school for children ages 2-5. Lead teachers will exhibit excellent written and oral communication skills and collaborate with families, colleagues, therapists, and specialists, as well as support students and interns. Lead teachers must have knowledge of applying a constructivist approach to learning with experience in play-based education and emergent curriculum design. Lead teachers guide the school culture and mentor and supervise assistant teachers, student teachers, and interns. The ideal candidate will be able to articulate an early childhood educational philosophy and describe: the rights of children, the rationale for inquiry-based education, the value of play, the essential materials and classroom design for preschool, the significance of care rituals, and the importance of outdoor experiences.

Requirements

Hold an AA degree in early childhood education while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, or an equivalent degree type that meets OCFS requirements for being a lead teacher.
Minimum 3 years of experience working within a team approach within a school or childcare center.
Demonstrated understanding and practice of the Code of Ethics for Early Childhood Educators (NAEYC) as guidelines for responsible and professional behavior with children, colleagues, employer, and families.
Experience with guidance/social coaching and conflict resolution for young children.
Experience with child assessment and parent-teacher conferences.
Ability to act as a leader in modeling collaborative communication, dialogue, and feedback for reflective teaching and mentoring in the classroom and throughout the school.
Ability to perform emotional labor for children who are discovering their feelings and navigating new social contexts, and care for children’s physical needs.
A willingness to grow and increase knowledge in the field and seek innovative approaches.
Exhibit joy in working with children and families.
Embrace the school’s mission and practice WNS values.
Must be fingerprinted and cleared with a background check through the NY State Office of Children and Family Services.
Ability to interact with children on their level; frequent bending, squatting, reaching, and sitting on the floor.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.
Must remain alert and productive for ongoing active supervision of children and must be able to see and hear children at all times.

Nice To Haves

5 years of experience managing and leading a teaching team and mentoring others
Master’s degree
Ability to take on multi-year projects, such as but not limited to curriculum leadership, professional development coordination, and committee work

Responsibilities

Develop trusting relationships with children and families
Have a well-articulated philosophy regarding child social-emotional development, discipline, and guidance, and understand the principles of responsive caregiving
Plan and implement a daily curriculum in accordance with developmentally appropriate practices.
Meet with parents regularly, assess and document child progress
Organize and arrange the classroom environment and materials with care
Manage and lead reflective team meetings
Mentor and supervise others, and support a positive team teaching approach
Participate and help plan school events such as parent night and teacher reflections
Teach outside in all seasons and weather.
Participate in reflective practice, documentation, and ongoing professional growth opportunities