UPK Lead Teacher (New York State certified in Early Childhood Education)

YMCA Of Central And Northern Westchester

Job Location:

Lakeland, FL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 13-10-2025

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

UPK Lead Teacher (New York State certified in Early Childhood Education)

All applicantsmust 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 qualifiedUPK Head Teacherto 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 thePre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculumand 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 childrens 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.
Bachelors or Masters 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.

UPK Lead Teacher (New York State certified in Early Childhood Education)All applicantsmust 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 qualifiedUPK Head Teacherto join our educational team for the ...

UPK Lead Teacher (New York State certified in Early Childhood Education)

All applicantsmust be New York State certified in Early Childhood Education (Birth through Grade 2)to be considered for this position.

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 childrens 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.
Bachelors or Masters 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.