Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS • Part-time • Middletown, New York, United States • $17 - $20 / hour • 4d ago

Description

Location: Healthy Kids Programs Early Learning Center in Liberty, NY

Pay: $17.00 – $20.00 per hour
Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Schedule: Approximately 25–30 hours per week, scheduled within center hours (6:30 AM – 6:30 PM)

Featured Benefit: Employer-Paid Childcare

Healthy Kids Programs provides childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you work. Employer contributions cover the cost of care, so you can focus on your job while your child participates in a safe, structured, and engaging program, all without needing to arrange outside care.

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. The majority of each day (approximately 80–90%) is spent in ratio working directly with children as the Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom. Administrative and leadership responsibilities make up a smaller portion of the role and are completed in short blocks throughout the day or outside of direct classroom time.

This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood professional who enjoys teaching, leading by example in the classroom, and contributing to program quality in a supportive, team-based environment.

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
Coordinate classroom supplies and materials
Collaborate with HR, enrollment, and regional leadership teams

(Administrative responsibilities are completed in short daily blocks and do not replace primary classroom responsibilities.)

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

PART-TIME 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 with us
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

About 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: https://www.healthykidsprograms.com/workwithus

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.