Head Preschool Teacher

Little Legacy Village Preschool

Head Teacher

Reports To: Education Director | Age Group: Pre-K 3 & Pre-K 4 | Location: Harlem, New York City | Type: Full-Time

ABOUT LITTLE LEGACY VILLAGE PRESCHOOL

Featured in The New York Times, Little Legacy Village Preschool is a mission-driven, community-rooted early childhood program serving families in Harlem, NY. Founded by Harlem native Erica Forte, LLVP provides a nurturing, dual-language, child-centered Pre-K education grounded in five core values: Community, Opportunity, Innovation, Joy, and Gratitude. We believe every child deserves a joyful, enriching start -- and our teachers are the heart of that promise.

ABOUT THE ROLE

LLVP is seeking an exceptional Head Teacher to lead a Pre-K 3 or Pre-K 4 classroom with the skill, warmth, and intentionality that defines our program. This is a classroom-first role: you will be a master practitioner, spending the majority of your time teaching, observing, and connecting with children and families. At the same time, your advanced credentials and deep knowledge of early childhood development will elevate the quality of instruction across your classroom and serve as a model for the broader teaching team.

This role is ideal for a highly credentialed educator who is passionate about being in the classroom and wants to lead through teaching -- not administration.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Leadership & Instruction

• Plan, implement, and reflect on developmentally appropriate, child-centered lessons for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 students, aligned with LLVP's curriculum framework.
• Create and maintain a warm, organized, and print-rich classroom environment that invites exploration and self-directed learning.
• Integrate LLVP's signature programming into daily instruction: Spanish language introduction, music, art, yoga, and nature-based learning.
• Use active listening and observation to understand each child's interests, strengths, and areas for growth -- and adapt instruction accordingly.
• Facilitate meaningful circle times, small group activities, read-alouds, and center-based learning throughout the day.
• Model joyful, intentional teaching practice that reflects LLVP's five core values.

Child Assessment & Development

• Conduct ongoing, individualized child observations and assessments using approved tools and frameworks.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date developmental records and learning portfolios for each child.
• Use assessment data to inform lesson planning and identify children who may benefit from additional support.
• Collaborate with the Education Director on referrals for developmental screenings or special services as needed.

Family Engagement

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with each child's family from day one.
• Communicate regularly with families about their child's daily experience, progress, and milestones.
• Lead family conferences (fall and spring) and be responsive to family questions and concerns.
• Invite and incorporate family cultures, languages, and knowledge into classroom life.

Team Collaboration & Mentorship

• Partner closely with the assistant teacher(s) in your classroom, providing day-to-day guidance and modeling best practices.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and team planning.
• Serve as an informal instructional resource and mentor for less experienced teaching staff.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure programmatic consistency and a strong school-wide community.

Compliance & Classroom Operations

• Maintain compliance with all NYC/NYS childcare licensing regulations, including required ratios, health and safety standards, and mandated reporting.
• Ensure accurate daily attendance, incident reports, and other required documentation.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment at all times.
• Support enrollment transitions (September start, mid-year entries) with care and clear communication.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field required; Master's degree strongly preferred.
• New York State teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of lead teaching experience in a Pre-K, nursery, or early childhood setting.
• Deep, working knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), child-centered pedagogy, and play-based learning.
• Experience conducting child observations and assessments and using data to inform instruction.
• Strong classroom management skills with a warm, relationship-based approach.
• Knowledge of NYC/NYS childcare licensing and Article 47/43 compliance requirements.
• Genuine passion for working with young children and their families.

Preferred

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field.
• Experience with dual-language or Spanish-English programming.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Familiarity with NYC Pre-K for All (DOE) curriculum frameworks and expectations.
• Experience mentoring or coaching assistant teachers or student teachers.
• Knowledge of NYC ACS-funded programs and voucher-based enrollment.

COMPENSATION

Salary commensurate with education and experience. LLVP is committed to competitive compensation that reflects the qualifications and importance of this role. Typical NYC range for comparable positions: $55,000 - $75,000.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a resume and brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line Head Teacher - [Your Name]. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Little Legacy Village Preschool is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Pay: From $55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person