Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher

Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher

Healthy Kids Programs is hiring an Early Childhood Learning Lead Teacher for our Program in Poughkeepsie, NY for the 2026–2027 school year.

Key Success Characteristics:

• Loves working with children and helping them learn through play and positive experiences
• Brings energy, kindness, and patience to each day
• Enjoys encouraging children's curiosity, creativity, and confidence
• Works well with teammates and communicates effectively with families
• Reliable, organized, and committed to providing exceptional care

Featured Benefit: Employer-Paid Childcare

Healthy Kids Programs provides childcare for school-age children (ages 3–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you work. Employer contributions cover the cost of care, so you can focus on your job while your child participates in a safe, structured, and engaging program, all without needing to arrange outside care.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day
• Education majors or future teachers looking for hands-on experience with children and classroom management
• Retirees who enjoy staying active, mentoring children, and giving back to the community

If you enjoy building relationships, supporting student growth, and being part of a mission-driven team, you'll feel right at home.

Our Lead Teacher positions may perform functions such as:

• Support smooth transitions from toddler to preschool and preschool to kindergarten.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including attendance and meal logs.
• Keep Assistants in the loop with all classroom and program updates, providing training and guidance as needed to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to staff, interns, substitutes, and volunteers, helping them grow and thrive in their roles.

Requirements

Education and Experience: Candidates must meet one of the following:

• A Bachelor's degree with at least 12 credits in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, plus one year of full-time teaching experience and one year of staff supervision experience in an early childhood setting
• An Associate's degree in early childhood education or a related field with a plan of study toward a Bachelor's degree or a New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential, plus two years of full-time teaching experience and two years of staff supervision experience
• A New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential with one year of full-time teaching experience and one year of staff supervision experience
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) or other office-recognized credential, with a plan of study toward a Bachelor's degree or a New York State Children's Program Administrator Credential, plus two years of full-time teaching experience and two years of staff supervision experience.

Qualifications:

• Medically cleared to perform all job duties
• Friendly, professional, reliable, and team-oriented
• Able to meet physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs.
• You're able to lead and motivate a team and have a commitment to providing quality childcare.

Part-Time Benefits:

• Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 3–12) 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

About Healthy Kids Programs

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.

Healthy Kids Programs is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.