Lead Teacher
Founded in 1846 to care for the children of sailors in the Port of New York, Seamen's Society for Children and Families is a comprehensive $28 million nonprofit organization offering foster care and adoption services, mental and behavioral health care, prevention/family stabilization services, domestic violence intervention, a health home care management program, education financial support, a childcare center, and a youth tutoring program. The agency’s 200+ professionals serve over 1,200 children and 500 families in New York City, delivering trauma-informed, culturally responsive care.
About the role
The Lead Teacher is responsible for general administrative duties, supervision of subordinate staff, and planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities. They monitor children’s progress, maintain related records, and promote the center’s philosophy and educational objectives.
This is a full-time, on-site position located at 95 Central Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301, reporting to the Education Director.
Responsibilities
- Supervise a group of children and plan/execute a day care program addressing educational, social, developmental, and health needs of both the group and individual children.
- Maintain equipment and materials in good condition; report or remove damaged or hazardous items.
- Arrange classroom furniture to optimize program functioning and collaborate on shared space usage.
- Incorporate community resources to enrich the educational program.
- Develop educational goals tailored to the age and developmental level of children.
- Support the professional growth of classroom associates through observation, feedback, and scheduled conferences.
- Assist in the annual evaluation of classroom associates’ job performance.
- Foster equitable sharing of responsibilities among classroom personnel.
- Develop plans to share program and child information with parents; attend and participate in parent meetings while respecting confidentiality.
- Maintain positive, objective working relationships with staff.
- Plan and conduct regular group conferences with classroom associates.
- Engage in self-evaluation through supervisory conferences with the director.
- Write, maintain, and share records necessary for effective administration, program development, and individual child support.
- Fulfill administrative responsibilities in the director’s absence.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a preschool program, with experience working with children under the age of 5.
- Valid certification by the State Education Department.
- Valid driver’s license preferred but not required.
- Bilingual skills preferred but not required.
Skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong teaching abilities.
- Adaptability in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to support colleagues through sharing materials, feedback, and encouragement.
Benefits
- Extensive Training & Career Development: Comprehensive training programs to enhance skills and support career growth.
- Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays:
- 13 paid holidays per year.
- Half-day Summer Fridays.
- Ample vacation, personal, and sick time.
- Robust Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Significantly subsidized plans tailored to employee needs.
- Company-Paid Life Insurance & Financial Security:
- Life insurance.
- Generous 403(b) retirement plan with agency contribution.
- Tax-deferred annuity options.
- Commuter Benefit Program & Flexible Spending Accounts: Savings on daily expenses through commuter benefits and FSAs.
- Exclusive Perks & Discounts: Access to Plum Benefits for discounts on attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels, and more.
- Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support for mental health, financial advice, and personal well-being.
- Internship & Referral Programs: Opportunities to mentor interns or refer candidates and earn incentives.
Pay
$31.11 per hour.