DOE Head Teacher; Vanderbilt YMCA

DOE Head Teacher (Vanderbilt YMCA) –
YMCA of Greater New York

Full‑Time / Regular | $66,300 Salaried

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers—empowering youth, improving health, and strengthening community. Founded in 1852, the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and the “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth) we are committed to a people‑first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The YMCA of Greater New York, New York City’s leading nonprofit community service and wellness organization, is seeking a Head Teacher for a Universal Pre‑K or Universal 3K classroom at the Vanderbilt YMCA.

The Head Teacher will plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the students. They will work within the framework of the Center’s program to carry out its functions, policies, and procedures, including, but not limited to, student assessments, work sampling, individualized plans, and parent/family engagement. The Head Teacher will supervise, coach, and support Assistant Teachers and Activity Specialists as appropriate.

• Ensure the health, safety, and well‑being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Plan developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and activities.
• Implement lessons and activities, including, but not limited to, literacy, arts, math, cooking, science, outdoor/indoor recreation, field trips, etc.
• Develop classroom centers that respond to children’s interests and are coordinated with the ongoing curriculum.
• Facilitate student assessments and work sampling.
• Work with parents/guardians to promote understanding of the growth and development of their child. Effectively communicate with parents/guardians, verbally and in written form, throughout the school year.
• Encourage parent/guardian participation in special events, meetings, and in‑class volunteer opportunities.
• Work as a supportive team member within the Early Childhood Learning Center and the YMCA Branch, and supervise Assistant Teachers, Early Childhood Specialists, and Volunteers.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.
• Maintain accurate program documentation, including, but not limited to, incident/accident/behavior reports, attendance sheets, sign‑in/sign‑out sheets, development/growth forms, documentation of eating and sleeping, parent/guardian surveys, etc.
• Ensure that all YMCA of Greater New York, Department of Health, and Department of Education (if applicable) guidelines are followed.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.

• Level I (brGT1)
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Early Childhood and a DOH approved study plan to achieve a Teaching license or certificate within 12 months. The license or certificate must be in the early childhood grades set forth by New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This includes Early Childhood (Birth‑Grade
    2), (n‑6), or (Pre‑K‑6) certification.
• Level II (brGT2)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and a teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades as set forth by New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This includes Early Childhood (Birth‑Grade
    2), (n‑6), or (Pre‑K‑6) certification.
• Level III (brGT3)
  • Master’s degree in Early Childhood and a teaching license or certificate valid for service in the early childhood grades as set forth by New York State Education Department (NYSED) regulations. This includes Early Childhood (Birth‑Grade
    2), (n‑6), or (Pre‑K‑6) certification.
• Three (3) years of experience working with early childhood‑aged children in a group setting.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.