Head Universal Prekindergarten Teacher

Full-time; 35 hours per week

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Priority Screening: January 29, 2025

Position Summary:

Ulster Community College Association is seeking a dedicated and experienced Head Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Teacher to lead a classroom in providing a high-quality, developmentally appropriate early childhood program. This position plays a key role in creating a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment for young children while building strong partnerships with families and staff.

The Head UPK Teacher is responsible to the Director of the Children’s Center for planning and implementing an appropriate early childhood educational experience to meet the needs and development stages of their particular classroom in accordance with the Center’s goals and philosophy. To follow all guidelines and policies in the Staff Handbook and Family Handbook.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate plans, utilize Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum to teach basic skills
• Complete all developmental assessments designed by Rondout Central School District 
• Attend trainings and meetings for UPK teachers at Rondout Central School District 

• Create a safe, organized, and stimulating classroom environment
• Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Supervise and guide assistant teachers and classroom support staff
• Maintain ongoing communication with families through daily reports, conferences, and updates
• Monitor and document children’s progress and development

• Interact with children in a positive, respectful, and encouraging manner. 
• Assist children in their personal care needs, toileting, diapering, feeding, washing, clothing, and comforting.
• Perform a Daily Health Check of each child.
• Give input to planning classroom activities and Center events.
• Maintain lists of needed supplies and materials in classroom.
• Develop supportive partnerships with the parents and provide opportunities for parent involvement

• Conference at least twice per year with parents and address concerns with parents when they arise
• Refer children for special services when appropriate with Director Approval

• Ensure compliance with all OFCS regulations and Center policies
• Maintain ASPIRE Professional Development Listing
• Maintain First Aid/ CPR/ AED certification through required training

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to sit, bend, and move quickly to respond to children’s needs
• Ability to work on the floor with children for extended periods 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Education
• Three years’ experience working in an established child care center in a supervisory role.
• NYS Certification Birth-Second Grade Required

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Starting at $24.00 an hour. 
• Medical benefits available
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Professional development and training opportunities

Application Process :

The position is open until filled. However, to ensure consideration, application materials should be received via email by May 20, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST to be given priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed.  SUNY Ulster reserves the right to close, continue, cancel, postpone or restart the recruitment at any time.

Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for the position: 

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter which discusses your qualifications and interest in the position
• Contact information for 3 professional references

Ulster Community College Association is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The Association encourages applications from all qualified applicants. Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who, due to a disability, require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for the position), or the interview, should notify the Human Resources Office 10 working days before the accommodation is required.

This position is contingent upon adequate funding. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.

Ulster Community College Association does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews.  All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.

Conditions of Employment

Employment with Ulster Community College Association is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.

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