Early Childhood Learning Director & Lead Teacher

Hands-on Early Learning Director / Lead Teacher in the Preschool classroom at Healthy Kids Programs’ Early Learning Center in Poughkeepsie, NY. The role involves leading classroom activities with children (80-90% of the day) and performing administrative and leadership duties in short blocks. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum, promote positive adult-child interactions with CLASS strategies, conduct ongoing child observations and developmental assessments, and maintain a safe, nurturing classroom aligned with ECERS/ITERS standards. Engage families through conferences, meetings, and community outreach; assist with enrollment and open houses; support program quality using ECERS, Creative Curriculum, and CLASS observations; participate in professional development; support center operations, scheduling, and compliance with NY State OCFS Day Care regulations. Requires one of several acceptable education/credential paths (e.g., Bachelor’s degree with related experience, NYS Administrator Credential with related experience, Associate’s with plan toward degree/credential, or CDA/OCFS credential with plan of study and experience). Evening/variable schedule within center hours (6:30 AM – 6:30 PM), approximately 25–30 hours per week in a part-time, non-exempt role. Employer-paid childcare and other benefits are included. The position emphasizes leadership in the classroom and collaboration with families and staff to support continuous program quality.