UPK Teacher

The Learning Experience•Deer Park, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the fastest-growing Academy of Early Education in the nation, where “Happy Happens Here!” At The Learning Experience, our Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Teachers are ambassadors of happiness who create meaningful moments that reflect our mission—to make a positive difference in the lives of children, their families, and the communities we serve. As a UPK Teacher, you will prepare children for kindergarten by building strong academic, social-emotional, communication, and independence skills while inspiring joy, curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or GED required.
Previous experience teaching preschool or UPK-aged children is required.
Demonstrated experience with classroom leadership, lesson planning, child assessment, and positive behavior guidance.
Strong knowledge of early childhood development and kindergarten-readiness expectations.
Must meet all center, school district, New York State, and federal employment requirements.
Must satisfy requirements related to background clearances, immunizations, employment physicals, and mandatory health and safety training.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, or a related field strongly preferred.
New York State teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth–Grade 2, N–6, or another certification accepted by the partnering school district is preferred or required based on UPK contract guidelines.
CPR and First Aid certification preferred or must be obtained within the required timeframe.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and maintain a stimulating, welcoming, and organized UPK classroom where children can learn, play, explore, and grow.
Bring The Learning Experience’s proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum® and UPK learning standards to life through engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction.
Support children’s growth in early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, physical development, and social-emotional learning.
Develop and implement purposeful lesson plans, learning centers, small-group instruction, and individualized learning experiences.
Observe, assess, and document each child’s progress using approved assessment tools, portfolios, work samples, and developmental data.
Adapt instruction and classroom strategies to accommodate the individual strengths, needs, learning styles, and abilities of each child.
Establish consistent routines, expectations, and positive guidance strategies that encourage independence, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Maintain a safe, nurturing, and properly supervised environment in which children are safeguarded and able to thrive.
Regularly communicate with families regarding their child’s progress, classroom experiences, developmental milestones, and kindergarten readiness.
Maintain accurate attendance, assessment, lesson-planning, and classroom records in accordance with center, school district, OCFS, and New York State requirements.
Partner with center staff and leadership to support program quality, family engagement, retention, enrollment, and center-wide goals.
Cultivate warm, professional relationships with children, families, colleagues, administrators, and community partners.
Use sound judgment to identify and address potential health, safety, or supervision risks.
Ensure children are actively supervised and their daily care needs are appropriately met.
Assist children with toileting, dressing, grooming, meals, and other personal-care needs when necessary.
Model and encourage respectful communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Keep children actively engaged in meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
Maintain accurate classroom records and protect the confidentiality of children and families.
Demonstrate composure, patience, flexibility, and professionalism at all times.