Lead Teacher

Description

P Lead the Classroom. Inspire Growth. Shape Early Learning Experiences. First Learning is one of North America’s Top 50 for-profit childcare organizations, and we are continuing to grow across New York. Founded in 1991 with the opening of Care-a-Lot’s first childcare center in Greece, NY, our organization has built a long-standing reputation for exceptional early childhood education. In recent years, we have expanded through the addition of Generations Child Care, Storybook Academy, Island Kids, and Windsor Academy - bringing together multiple respected programs under one unified organization: First Learning. Today, we operate a growing network of early learning centers dedicated to providing high-quality education, strong leadership, and outstanding family experiences. We are seeking a Lead Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education, committed to creating a positive classroom environment, and ready to support the growth and development of both children and team members. --- The Role The Lead Teacher is the educational leader within the classroom. This role requires a professional who can create a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment while guiding classroom staff, supporting families, and ensuring high-quality care and learning experiences.

You will be responsible for:

· Classroom environment and program quality · Child development and individualized learning · Family communication and engagement · Classroom team support and collaboration · Compliance with New York State regulations and company policies This position reports to the Center Director and works closely with classroom staff and center leadership. ---

Key Responsibilities

Educational Leadership · Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and daily activities · Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment · Monitor and assess children’s development and adjust programming accordingly · Ensure classroom practices align with OCFS regulations and accreditation standards · Model positive interactions and engagement with children Classroom Team Support · Provide guidance and support to assistant teachers and classroom staff · Foster a collaborative and positive team environment · Participate in staff meetings and center initiatives · Support onboarding and development of new staff within the classroom Child & Family Experience · Build strong, supportive relationships with children and families · Maintain consistent and effective communication with families regarding development and daily activities · Conduct bi-annual parent-teacher conferences and meet with families as needed · Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all family interactions · Support center tours by sharing classroom-specific insights with prospective families Compliance & Documentation · Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including observations, incidents, and daily reports · Ensure compliance with OCFS regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies · Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment Professional Development · Complete required annual training (minimum 30 hours) in accordance with OCFS and accreditation standards · Maintain required certifications and pursue ongoing professional growth · Stay current with best practices in early childhood education ---

Qualifications

Candidates must meet New York State requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.

Typical qualifications include:

· Child Development Associate (CDA) OR · Minimum of 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education with a plan to continue education

Preferred experience:

· At least 1 year of experience in an early childhood education setting · Experience working in a classroom leadership or lead role · Knowledge of New York State childcare regulations · Strong communication and teamwork skills · Commitment to high-quality early childhood education

Required certifications (or willingness to obtain):

· Foundations in Health and Safety · CPR / First Aid · Medication Administration Training (MAT)

Physical ability to:

· Lift approximately 30 pounds · Supervise children by sight and sound at all times · Respond quickly to children’s needs and emergencies · Sit, bend, and move at a child’s level throughout the day --- Who Succeeds in This Role

Our strongest Lead Teachers:

· Create warm, engaging, and structured classroom environments · Build strong relationships with children, families, and team members · Take initiative and demonstrate leadership within the classroom · Balance care, education, and compliance responsibilities effectively · Thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment --- Career Growth Opportunities At First Learning, we believe in developing future leaders.

Lead Teachers have opportunities to:

· Advance into Assistant Director or Center Director roles · Take on mentorship or training responsibilities · Participate in program development and center initiatives · Grow within a multi-site, expanding organization Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance