Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Infants & Toddlers | Ages 10 Months–3 Years

Location: Taconic Hills Elementary School, Craryville, NY

Pay: $20.00 – $22.00 per hour

Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

Schedule: Approximately 25–30 hours per week, scheduled within center hours of 6:30 AM–6:30 PM

Bring Your Child to Work With You

Are you an experienced early childhood professional looking for a rewarding career that works for your family?

Healthy Kids Programs is looking for an Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader to join our team at Taconic Hills Elementary School. You'll lead a classroom serving children 10 months through 3 years old , creating a nurturing environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive.

One of the things that makes this opportunity unique: your child can come to work with you.

Eligible children of all ages served by our programs can receive employer-paid childcare during the days and hours you work. Your child can be nearby in a safe, engaging program while you focus on your work—without the cost and hassle of arranging separate childcare.

What You'll Do Classroom Leadership

• Serve as Lead Teacher in a classroom serving children ages 10 months–3 years .
• Work directly with children throughout the majority of the day.
• Provide nurturing, responsive care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Plan and implement activities that support children's social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
• Follow individual children's routines, interests, developmental needs, and emerging skills.
• Conduct ongoing observations and developmental assessments.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, clean, and engaging classroom environment.
• Promote positive adult-child interactions using CLASS strategies and other developmentally appropriate practices.
• Support daily routines including meals, diapering/toileting, rest, transitions, and other care needs.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Maintain regular communication with families regarding children's experiences and development.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences twice per year.
• Assist with enrollment efforts, open houses, and community outreach activities.

Program Quality

• Use Creative Curriculum and other early childhood practices to support children's development and learning.
• Participate in CLASS, ECERS/ITERS, and other program quality observations and improvement efforts.
• Participate in professional development and required training.
• Help maintain a high-quality program that meets applicable NYS OCFS requirements.

Center Leadership & Administration

Administrative and leadership responsibilities are completed in limited blocks of time and do not replace the primary classroom responsibilities.

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

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced early childhood professional who:

• Enjoys working with infants and toddlers.
• Is warm, nurturing, patient, and dependable.
• Builds strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Is comfortable taking a leadership role in the classroom.
• Has strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Can balance hands-on teaching and caregiving with leadership responsibilities.
• Is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young children.

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

Additional Requirements

• Medically cleared to work in a childcare setting; free of communicable diseases including TB
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Dependable, professional, and able to work collaboratively with staff and families
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs. and actively engage with children

  PART-TIME BENEFITS:  

• Employer-paid childcare for eligible children of all ages served by our programs during your working hours  
• 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.

Learn more about our team and culture:

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.