UPK Lead Teacher; Cohoes

UPK Lead Teacher (Cohoes)

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area Inc, Cohoes, NY, United States.

Performance Profile:
Front Line

Work Location:

Cohoes Elementary School

Reports to:

UPK Director

Salary Range:
Starting from $18.75/hour

Hours &

Schedule:

Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week

Classification:
Full-Time Non-Exempt

Full-Time Benefits:
Paid school holidays and breaks, sick leave, 401(k) w/match, health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, New York Paid Family Leave benefits, retirement benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), and eligibility for additional third-party discounts.

Note:

This is a 10-month position (August 2025 - June 2026) with BGCCA, working in collaboration with the Cohoes City School District (CCSD).

The primary function of the UPK Lead Teacher will be to play a vital role in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3‑4 years old in accordance with the approved CCSD curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives. Your focus will be on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social‑emotional achievement. The classroom configuration is 18 students, one teacher, and one teacher assistant.

The following non-exhaustive list of job duties required for this position:

• Collaborate effectively with the Teaching Assistant to implement planned lessons, ensuring a safe and positive classroom environment.
• Conduct regular evaluations and provide coaching to the Teaching Assistant based on the performance evaluation policy.
• Actively participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the CCSD and the BGCCA to enhance teaching skills and stay updated with best practices.

• Develop engaging and interactive weekly lesson plans that align with the curriculum and meet the unique needs of each student.
• Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to effectively deliver the lesson plan and ensure all required materials are prepared and available in the classroom.
• Utilize the curriculum to provide comprehensive academic and social‑emotional programming that addresses each student's learning style.

• Deliver innovative and hands‑on classroom activities that align with predetermined units of study and address individual student needs.
• Provide timely and accurate progress reports, attendance records, progress monitoring reports, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates.
• Complete all required paperwork in an organized and timely manner.

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district, including proper sanitation and disinfection procedures.
• Monitor the health and wellness of students, promptly reporting any concerns to parents/guardians and administrators.
• Ensure that all classroom students and staff are familiar with established emergency procedures, such as lockdown drills or evacuations.

$18.75 - $20 Hourly Wage

Credentials, Skills/Knowledge

Required:

• Required – Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Minimum one (1) year of professional experience working with youth between 3‑5 years of age.
• Group leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics.
• Knowledge of principles related to the development of youth between 3‑5 years of age.

Required

Certifications:

• Valid NYS Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education B‑2nd OR Master’s equivalents such as Literacy B‑2nd or Curriculum Development, OR Currently enrolled in a certification program.
• Mandated Reporter Certification.
• CPR and First Aid Training.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Drive & Docs,…