Lead Teacher - Pre-K

Magical Beginnings•Croton-on-Hudson, NY

About The Position

Magical Beginnings is seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Pre-K Teacher for its Harmon center. The role supports a pre-k classroom and children's learning, development, and daily care while ensuring compliance with applicable childcare regulations and center quality standards. The teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum, leads daily classroom routines, builds family partnerships, and helps children develop confidence, independence, and school readiness skills. This is a full-time day-shift position, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Candidates must complete required New York State background clearances and regulatory requirements, including fingerprinting, criminal history review, and Statewide Central Register clearance, and meet applicable health and immunization requirements. Magical Beginnings describes itself as a growing network of early childhood schools that values collaboration, kindness, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Meet New York State OCFS qualifications for a Preschool Lead Teacher position in a licensed childcare center.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Previous experience working in a preschool, daycare, childcare, or early childhood education setting.
Knowledge of child development, classroom management, and age-appropriate learning practices.
Ability to maintain compliance with New York State childcare licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and teacher-to-child ratios.
Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Ability to actively engage with children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities.
Availability Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Successful completion of required New York State background clearances and regulatory requirements, including fingerprinting, criminal history review, and Statewide Central Register clearance.
Meet applicable health and immunization requirements in accordance with state regulations.

Nice To Haves

CDA, associate degree, or bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Prior experience leading a preschool or pre-k classroom and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement developmentally appropriate pre-k curriculum and classroom activities aligned with early childhood education best practices.
Create a safe, engaging, and nurturing classroom environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
Lead daily classroom routines, including circle time, learning centers, meals, outdoor play, rest time, and transitions.
Supervise and engage pre-k-aged children while maintaining active classroom management and safe teacher-to-child ratios.
Conduct classroom observations and support children's developmental growth and school readiness skills.
Build positive relationships and communicate openly with families about classroom activities, milestones, and student progress.
Collaborate with Assistant Teachers, support staff, and center leadership.
Maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and sanitization in accordance with licensing regulations and health and safety standards.
Prepare lesson plans, classroom materials, and learning environments that encourage creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Ensure compliance with childcare licensing requirements, company policies, and early education quality standards.
Support a positive daycare and pre-k culture reflecting professionalism, teamwork, and a passion for early childhood education.