Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE:  Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher (Early Head Start Lead Teacher) 

DEPARTMENT:  Early Childhood Services

LOCATION(S): Manhattan - Rose Center - 80 Pitt St., New York, NY 10002

REPORTS TO: Site Director

SALARY RANGE: $45,653.03 - $48,636.72 depending on credentials

Benefits include: Family/health insurance; 24 vacation days (includes planned program closures), life insurance, 401k plan with a 5% employer contribution, 4 discretionary days, and 12 sick days; sign-on bonus of $3,500 and retention bonus $1,500; scholarships and ongoing professional development opportunities

  DATE:  October 2026

SCHEDULE:  Monday - Friday, 8am - 4pm, or 9am - 5pm. Schedule is assigned based on program needs.  

JOB SUMMARY:  Create a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where infants and toddlers grow, explore, and thrive. Build strong foundations through meaningful interactions, engaging activities and responsive care. Work closely with families and fellow educators to support each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in a safe and joyful classroom setting. Collaborate with a dedicated team of professionals, and play a vital role in laying the foundation for lifelong success. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

• Required Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) ; 
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in early childhood education or related fields (elementary education, nursery to 6th grade elementary education, special education, student with disabilities - Birth to 2nd or 1st to 6th Grade, child psychology, child development, or general education) with 12 credits in early childhood education. 
• Experience working with children ages birth to three and their families
• Enjoy working with children and families with diverse developmental, social, and cultural needs
• Maintain written records and manage time effectively
• Work collaboratively and demonstrate leadership
• Ability to lift children up to 35lbs 
• Bilingual English/Albanian or Spanish strongly preferred

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Successfully clear NYS DOI Fingerprint Screening, NYS Central Registry Clearance, Sex Offender Registry Clearance, 3 reference checks, physical examination with updated TB test, Tdap, MMR, varicella (fees may apply)
• Mandated Reporter training certificate (every 2 years) and comply with agency’s policy and procedure regarding identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect
• Obtain First Aid/CPR and Preventive infectious diseases certificate within the first year of employment.
• Meets all health requirements in Article 47 (DOHMH) and Head Start Performance standards.

  ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the planning, documentation, and implementation of engaging, child-centered curriculum experiences that nurture each child’s social, emotional, developmental, and health needs while fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning.
• Build strong collaborative relationships with supervisors, Assistant Teachers, program staff, and families to ensure all EHS and GSS goals are achieved and every child is supported in reaching their fullest potential.
• Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and welcoming classroom environment that promotes exploration, confidence, and joyful learning in accordance with Head Start and Department of Health regulations.
• Maintain organized, developmentally appropriate classroom materials and learning spaces that encourage children’s independence, creativity, and active participation.
• Uphold professionalism and trust by maintaining confidentiality regarding all child and family information, both verbal and written.
• Coordinate curriculum planning, documentation, and individualized recordkeeping to support children’s growth and learning journeys.
• Monitor and celebrate children’s developmental progress through ongoing assessment aligned with EHS and GSS school readiness goals using Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration by organizing and participating in regular team meetings focused on strengthening classroom success and child outcomes.
• Develop meaningful partnerships with families by maintaining open communication, participating in meetings, and creating a supportive and inclusive learning community.
• Partner with teachers and staff to provide families with valuable insights into child development and individualized progress in a caring and supportive manner.
• Conduct developmental and behavioral screenings within program timelines and ensure timely follow-up support so every child has the opportunity to thrive.
• Collaborate with specialists and families to create inclusive and supportive learning experiences for children with diagnosed special needs.
• Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences to build strong family connections, celebrate accomplishments, and work together to establish school readiness goals.
• Demonstrate commitment to child safety and well-being by following all state regulations and agency policies related to child protection and mandated reporting.
• Embrace continuous learning through coaching opportunities, professional development trainings, and reflective teaching practices that strengthen leadership and instructional skills.
• Participate in annual performance evaluations to set meaningful professional goals and continue growing as an impactful educator and leader.
• Attend and actively contribute to all required trainings, meetings, and collaborative initiatives that support program excellence and positive child outcomes.
• Bring enthusiasm, flexibility, and a team-oriented spirit to special projects and additional responsibilities that enrich the classroom and program community.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications for the position you are applying for. If selected, we ask that you also provide us with three (3) professional references that we can contact (at least one (1) professional reference should be from a former supervisor). Please click the link below, or paste it into a search bar, and apply online through our career center.

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No phone calls, please.

Please be advised that we can only make job offers once your clearances come through.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)