Early Childhood Lead Teacher & Program Leader

About the role

Location: Taconic Hills Elementary School, Craryville, NY. Bring Your Child to Work With You: eligible children of all ages served by the program can receive employer‑paid childcare during your work hours.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

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.

Skills

• Enjoys working with infants and toddlers
• Warm, nurturing, patient, and dependable
• Builds strong relationships with children, families, and coworkers
• Comfortable taking a leadership role in the classroom
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to balance hands‑on teaching and caregiving with leadership responsibilities
• Committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment for young children
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs. and actively engage with children

Benefits

• Employer‑paid childcare for school‑age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working
• Employer‑paid childcare for eligible children of all ages during your work hours (bring your child to work)
• 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

Pay

$20.00 – $22.00 per hour

Schedule

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