Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher
Job Summary
Healthy Kids Programs is seeking a hands-on Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher to support and lead our Preschool classroom at our Early Learning Center in Liberty, NY. This is primarily a classroom-based position.
Key Responsibilities
Classroom Leadership (Primary Responsibility - In Ratio)
- Serve as Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom
- Work directly with children throughout the majority of the day
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum
- Promote positive adult-child interactions using CLASS strategies
- Conduct ongoing child observations and developmental assessments
- Maintain a safe, nurturing classroom environment aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards
Family & Community Engagement
- Maintain regular communication with families through conferences, meetings, and digital platforms
- Participate in parent-teacher conferences twice per year
- Assist with enrollment efforts, open houses, and community outreach
Program Quality
- Use ECERS, Creative Curriculum, and CLASS observations to support continuous improvement
- Participate in professional development and training opportunities
Center Leadership & Administration (Limited Daily Time)
- Support daily center operations and scheduling
- Ensure compliance with NY State OCFS Day Care regulations
- Maintain required student and program records
- Support staff onboarding, training, and supervision
- Collaborate with HR, enrollment, and regional leadership teams
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 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
About Healthy Kids Programs
Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider. We’re shaping the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5,000’s fastest-growing organizations, we offer Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs across more than 150 locations. As a certified benefit corporation, our mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable for today’s families while positively impacting the communities we serve.
Featured Benefit
Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
About Us
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.