Pre-Kindergarten Teacher (UPK)
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.
About the Role
Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a Pre-Kindergarten Teacher for our UPK Program at William E. Cottle School for the 2026–2027 school year. This is a Part-Time, Non-Exempt position with a schedule that follows the school calendar, Monday-Friday from 8:45 am to 2:30 pm.
Key Success Characteristics
- Loves working with children and helping them learn through play and positive experiences
- Brings energy, kindness, and patience to each day
- Enjoys encouraging children's curiosity, creativity, and confidence
- Works well with teammates and communicates effectively with families
- Reliable, organized, and committed to providing exceptional care
Who Thrives In This Role
This position is especially well-suited for:
- Parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day
- Education majors or future teachers looking for hands-on experience with children and classroom management
- Retirees who enjoy staying active, mentoring children, and giving back to the community
If you enjoy building relationships, supporting student growth, and being part of a mission-driven team, you'll feel right at home.
Why You'll Love This Role
- You'll teach in a supportive UPK classroom environment with clear curriculum structure and district alignment, so you're not starting from scratch each day
- You'll work with four-year-olds at a key developmental stage, where you can see rapid growth in early literacy, social skills, and independence
- You'll be part of a collaborative school community that values teamwork between teachers, assistants, and families
- You'll have access to ongoing training and professional development to support your growth as an early childhood educator
- You'll benefit from a rare employer-paid childcare option, helping remove one of the biggest stressors for working parents
- You'll be supported by a mission-driven organization focused on high-quality early learning and community impact
Key Responsibilities
- Implement the Creative Curriculum with fidelity and attend required district training
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with NYS Early Learning Standards
- Support early literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development through play-based learning
- Conduct assessments, document progress, and communicate with families
- Build strong relationships with families and support UPK engagement
- Collaborate with teacher assistants and support staff
- Maintain a high-quality ECERS-3 aligned classroom environment
- Participate in professional development and program evaluation
Minimum Qualifications
- Valid NYS Early Childhood Teaching Certification (Birth–2, N–6, Pre-K–6) or Bachelor's with approved 5-Year Plan
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred
- Experience with preschool-age children
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Additional Requirements
- Candidates must successfully pass all required state background checks
- Requires the ability to meet physical demands, including bending, stretching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 pounds, and actively engaging with energetic children
Benefits
- Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 4–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
- Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage
- AFLAC supplemental plans
- 401(k) for eligible employees
- Paid sick time
- On-demand pay
- Career development and growth opportunities