Early Learning Director and Lead Teacher

Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher

Healthy Kids Programs is seeking a passionate and organized early childhood professional to join our team as an Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher for our Early Learning Program in Monticello, NY.

In this role, you'll combine leadership and teaching, helping guide a high-quality early childhood program while supporting children's development through engaging learning experiences. If you enjoy mentoring staff, partnering with families, and creating a nurturing classroom environment, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your career with one of the fastest-growing childcare organizations in the country.

Location: Monticello, NY

Schedule: Hours will vary between 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM

Pay: $17.00 – $20.00 per hour Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Featured Benefit: Employer-Paid Childcare

Healthy Kids Programs provides childcare for school-age children (ages 12months–12 years old) 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Compliance: Ensure staff and program operations consistently meet state regulations, Healthy Kids policies, and host school requirements.
• Program Leadership: Plan and lead engaging, hands-on activities aligned with the Healthy Kids Curriculum, including fitness, STEAM, academics, arts, and homework support.
• Program Management: Oversee daily operational tasks such as accurate attendance and registration tracking, scheduling, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
• Family Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with parents and caregivers using the Playground App.
• Team Collaboration: Communicate regularly with your direct report to share updates, address concerns, and support a positive team environment. Together, you will ensure high-quality care, strong staff morale, and proactive problem-solving.

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:

• Must be willing and able to pass NYS OCFS background check
• Medically cleared to perform all job duties
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• 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 children 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
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

About Healthy Kids Programs

Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider—we're helping shape the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing organizations, we operate Early Learning, Before & After School, and Summer Camp programs in 150+ locations nationwide.

As a certified Benefit Corporation, our mission is to make high-quality childcare accessible, affordable, and impactful for families and communities.

Why Join Healthy Kids Programs? At Healthy Kids Programs, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We foster supportive environments where team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow.

If you're passionate about early childhood education and want to make a meaningful impact in children's lives, we'd love to meet you.