Universal Pre-K Lead Teacher

The Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Lead Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for four-year-old children enrolled in the Universal Prekindergarten program. The Lead Teacher plans and implements curriculum aligned with New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards while supporting children's social-emotional, physical, language, cognitive, and creative development.

The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom, collaborates with assistant teachers and support staff, builds positive relationships with families, and ensures compliance with all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), Universal Prekindergarten, and program requirements. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary coordinator of classroom curriculum, child assessment, family communication, and school readiness experiences. This is a FT 10 month position.

Child Development and Learning

• Provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that supports the development of all children.
• Foster children's social-emotional growth through positive guidance, relationship-building, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Support children's development across all learning domains, including language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, creative arts, physical development, and approaches to learning.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to children's developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

• Use ongoing observation, documentation, and reflection to identify children's interests, strengths, questions, and developmental needs.
• Develop curriculum experiences that emerge from children's play, investigations, and interactions while aligning with New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards.
• Facilitate long-term projects, inquiry-based learning experiences, and opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.
• Document children's learning through photographs, work samples, written observations, and classroom displays that make learning visible to children and families.
• Encourage children's curiosity, creativity, independence, and sense of agency by providing opportunities for choice, exploration, and meaningful participation in classroom experiences.
• Create environments that serve as the "third teacher," intentionally designing spaces that promote engagement, discovery, and social interaction.

Assessment and Documentation

• Observe, document, and assess children's development and learning using approved assessment tools and program requirements.
• Maintain accurate records related to attendance, assessments, developmental progress, and required program documentation.
• Use assessment data to inform curriculum planning, individualized instruction, and family conferences.
• Complete developmental screenings and progress reports in accordance with program expectations.

Family Engagement

• Establish positive, collaborative relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children's learning, development, and classroom experiences.
• Conduct family conferences and participate in family engagement activities and events.
• Collaborate with families to support children's growth and successful transition to kindergarten.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Classroom Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Provide guidance and support to assistant teachers, aides, floaters, substitutes, and related service providers assigned to the classroom.
• Foster a collaborative and respectful classroom team environment.
• Model professionalism and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
• Participate in curriculum planning, team meetings, and program improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with administration and colleagues to support program goals and quality improvement efforts.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all OCFS regulations, Universal Prekindergarten requirements, and program policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.
• Conduct required health and safety checks and documentation.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills, trainings, and required safety procedures.
• Administer medication only when properly trained and authorized in accordance with program policies and regulations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development activities as required.
• Maintain all required certifications and professional credentials.
• Complete all OCFS training requirements and annual professional development requirements.
• Participate in program-wide events, family programs, and special activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the ECE Director or Assistant Director.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Childhood Education, or a closely related field.
• Valid New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) or a certification acceptable for teaching in a Universal Prekindergarten classroom under New York State requirements.
• Experience teaching preschool-age children preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practice, and early childhood curriculum.

Certifications and Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Current New York State Teacher Certification as required for Universal Prekindergarten classrooms.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Completion of all OCFS-required background clearances and training requirements.
• Medication Administration Training (MAT) certification preferred or ability to obtain if required by the program.
• Must meet all qualifications required by New York State OCFS and Universal Prekindergarten regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of New York State Prekindergarten Learning Standards and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Knowledge of child development and early learning assessment practices.
• Ability to create engaging and inclusive learning environments.
• Strong classroom management and organizational skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Knowledge of New York State OCFS regulations and Universal Prekindergarten requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move throughout classrooms and outdoor play areas.
• Ability to lift and carry classroom materials and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time.
• Ability to actively supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to assist children with toileting, dressing, and other personal care needs when necessary.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children and adults and maintain awareness of children's health and safety at all times.

We offer competitive wages and benefits including health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k, and free membership.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. This job description is to be used as a guideline to describe the current functions and requirements of the position. The job description may change at any time based on business needs and/or job reorganization. We are an equal opportunity employer. As such, employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications and abilities.