Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription: Infants & Toddlers | Ages 10 Months–3 YearsLocation: Taconic Hills Elementary School, Craryville, NYPay: $20.00 – $22.00 per hourJob Type: Part-Time, Non-ExemptSchedule: Approximately 25–30 hours per week, scheduled within center hours of 6:30 AM–6:30 PM Bring Your Child to Work With YouAre 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 LeadershipServe 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 EngagementBuild 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 QualityUse 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 & AdministrationAdministrative 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 ForWe'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.Requirements: 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 experienceNYS Children’s Program Administrator Credential plus 1 year teaching and 1 year supervisory experienceAssociate’s degree in early childhood (or related field) with plan toward bachelor’s or administrator credential plus 2 years teaching and 2 years supervisory experienceCDA or OCFS-recognized credential with plan of study plus 2 years teaching and 2 years supervisory experienceAdditional RequirementsMedically cleared to work in a childcare setting; free of communicable diseases including TBStrong leadership, communication, and organizational skillsDependable, professional, and able to work collaboratively with staff and familiesPhysically able to lift up to 50 lbs. and actively engage with childrenPART-TIME BENEFITS:Employer-paid childcare for eligible children of all ages served by our programs during your working hoursTelehealth, vision, and dental coverageAFLAC supplemental plans401(k) for eligible employeesPaid sick timeOn-demand pay – access earned wages before your scheduled payday for added financial flexibilityCareer development and growth opportunitiesAbout 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.