Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

Role summary

Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher is a part-time role at HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS in Town of Lloyd, New York, United States (on-site). Posted 2026-10-15. Salary: USD 17–20 per hour. Experience level: 2-5. No degree required.

Job title

Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

Company

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAMS

Location

Town of Lloyd, New York, United States

Work arrangement

on-site

Employment type

part-time

Category

Software Engineering

Salary

USD 17–20 per hour

Experience level

2-5

Degree required

No

Date posted

2026-10-15

Job description

Description

Location: Healthy Kids Programs Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie, 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 Poughkeepsie, 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

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. 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.

Why Join Healthy Kids Programs?

At Healthy Kids Programs, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We create supportive and engaging environments where team members feel valued, empowered, and excited to grow. When you join our award-winning team, you become part of a community that values purpose, professional development, and meaningful work. If you are passionate about working with children and making a difference, Healthy Kids Programs is the place to build your career.

Learn more about working with us: 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.