Early Learning Director and Lead Teacher

Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher

Healthy Kids Programs is seeking a hands-on Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher to support and lead our Preschool classroom at our Early Learning Center in Monticello, NY.

This is primarily a classroom-based position. The majority of each day (approximately 80–90%) is spent in ratio working directly with children as the Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom. Administrative and leadership responsibilities make up a smaller portion of the role and are completed in short blocks throughout the day or outside of direct classroom time.

This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys teaching, leading by example in the classroom, and contributing to program quality in a supportive, team-based environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Leadership (Primary Responsibility - In Ratio)
• Serve as Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom
• Work directly with children throughout the majority of the day
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum
• Promote positive adult-child interactions using CLASS strategies
• Conduct ongoing child observations and developmental assessments
• Maintain a safe, nurturing classroom environment aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards

Family & Community Engagement

• Maintain regular communication with families through conferences, meetings, and digital platforms
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences twice per year
• Assist with enrollment efforts, open houses, and community outreach

Program Quality

• Use ECERS, Creative Curriculum, and CLASS observations to support continuous improvement
• Participate in professional development and training opportunities

Center Leadership & Administration (Limited Daily Time)

• Support daily center operations and scheduling
• Ensure compliance with NY State OCFS Day Care regulations
• Maintain required student and program records
• Support staff onboarding, training, and supervision
• Coordinate classroom supplies and materials
• Collaborate with HR, enrollment, and regional leadership teams

(Administrative responsibilities are completed in short daily blocks and do not replace primary classroom responsibilities.)

Requirements

Education & Experience (One of the following required):

• Bachelor's degree (12+ credits in early childhood, child development, or related field) plus 1 year teaching and 1-year supervisory experience
• NYS Children's Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year teaching and 1-year supervisory experience
• Associate's degree in early childhood (or related field) with plan toward bachelor's or administrator credential plus 2 years teaching and 2 years supervisory experience
• CDA or OCFS-recognized credential with plan of study plus 2 years teaching and 2 years supervisory experience

Qualifications:

• Must be medically cleared to perform all job duties and free of communicable diseases, including tuberculosis (TB).
• Demonstrates a positive, friendly demeanor with strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with children, parents, and team members.
• Dependable, punctual, and professional in conduct and appearance.
• Able to bend, stretch, lift, and carry up to 50 pounds, and meet the physical demands of working with children.

Part-Time Benefits:

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
• Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage
• AFLAC supplemental plans
• 401(k) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time
• On-demand pay – access earned wages before your scheduled payday for added financial flexibility
• Career development and growth opportunities

Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider—we're shaping the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing organizations, we provide Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations. As a certified Benefit Corporation, our mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable while creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and our team members.