JOB DESCRIPTION:

UPK Head Teacher
All applicants must be New York State certified in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 2) to be considered for this position.
We are seeking a passionate and qualified UPK Head Teacher to join our educational team for the 2025-2026 school year. This full-time, 10-month seasonal position offers summers off and a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The UPK Head Teacher will be responsible for delivering a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate educational experience for preschool children, in alignment with all state, federal, YMCA, and district regulations.
The Head Teacher will implement the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum and participate in all required training provided by the local School District. All applicants must hold full New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 2).

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and deliver engaging, interactive lessons that support diverse learning styles.
• Implement individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Develop and distribute high-quality educational materials, including assignments, summaries, and notes.
• Assess, document, and monitor student progress, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, parents, and district representatives through meetings and conferences.
• Plan and facilitate indoor and outdoor educational activities and school events.
• Monitor children’s behavior, well-being, and safety, reporting any concerns related to neglect or abuse.
• Serve as a positive role model, upholding YMCA core values: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty.
• Actively engage in ongoing professional development, including district-led seminars and trainings.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with Pre-K On My Way Curriculum guidelines and YMCA preschool program standards.
• Adhere to NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and YMCA policies.
• Maintain licensing ratios at all times while ensuring a safe, healthy environment.
• Provide nutritious snacks and model appropriate mealtime behaviors.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks to ensure a clean and safe learning environment.
• Complete and maintain all required childcare documentation, including attendance records and daily health checks.
• Work extended hours as needed on early dismissal days, snow days, and during school breaks.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with parents, children, and staff, addressing any concerns in collaboration with Preschool Lead Teachers and Early Learning Directors.
• Complete 30 hours of professional development every two years (minimum of 15 hours within the first six months) per NYS OCFS regulations.
• Uphold all YMCA policies and emergency procedures, including child safety and discipline guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Early Learning Directors.

Qualifications:

• Minimum age: 18 years.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• New York State Teacher Certification (Birth – Grade 2) is required.
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate practices for children aged 3-5.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and instructional skills.
• CPR/AED and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Prior experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational setting preferred.
• Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• White Plains, NY 10601 (Required)

• Design and deliver engaging, interactive lessons that support diverse learning styles.
• Implement individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Develop and distribute high-quality educational materials, including assignments, summaries, and notes.
• Assess, document, and monitor student progress, providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, parents, and district representatives through meetings and conferences.
• Plan and facilitate indoor and outdoor educational activities and school events.
• Monitor children’s behavior, well-being, and safety, reporting any concerns related to neglect or abuse.
• Serve as a positive role model, upholding YMCA core values: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty.
• Actively engage in ongoing professional development, including district-led seminars and trainings.
• Assist in maintaining compliance with Pre-K On My Way Curriculum guidelines and YMCA preschool program standards.
• Adhere to NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and YMCA policies.
• Maintain licensing ratios at all times while ensuring a safe, healthy environment.
• Provide nutritious snacks and model appropriate mealtime behaviors.
• Perform light housekeeping tasks to ensure a clean and safe learning environment.
• Complete and maintain all required childcare documentation, including attendance records and daily health checks.
• Work extended hours as needed on early dismissal days, snow days, and during school breaks.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with parents, children, and staff, addressing any concerns in collaboration with Preschool Lead Teachers and Early Learning Directors.
• Complete 30 hours of professional development every two years (minimum of 15 hours within the first six months) per NYS OCFS regulations.
• Uphold all YMCA policies and emergency procedures, including child safety and discipline guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Early Learning Directors