Head Universal Prekindergarten Teacher

Position Summary

Full‑time; 35 hours per week. Ulster Community College Association seeks a dedicated and experienced Head Universal Pre‑Kindergarten (UPK) Teacher to lead a classroom in providing a high‑quality, developmentally appropriate early‑childhood program. This position plays a key role in creating a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment for young children while building strong partnerships with families and staff.

The Head UPK Teacher reports to the Director of the Children's Center and is responsible for planning and implementing an appropriate early‑childhood educational experience that meets the needs and development stages of their classroom, in accordance with the Center's goals and philosophy, and follows all guidelines and policies outlined in the Staff Handbook and Family Handbook.

• Prepare and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate plans, utilizing Handwriting Without Tears Curriculum to teach basic skills.
• Complete all developmental assessments designed by Rondout Central School District.
• Attend trainings and meetings for UPK teachers at Rondout Central School District.
• Create a safe, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Supervise and guide assistant teachers and classroom support staff.
• Maintain ongoing communication with families through daily reports, conferences, and updates.
• Monitor and document children’s progress and development.
• Interact with children in a positive, respectful, and encouraging manner.
• Assist children with personal care needs including toileting, diapering, feeding, washing, clothing, and comforting.
• Perform a daily health check of each child.
• Provide input to planning classroom activities and Center events.
• Maintain lists of needed supplies and materials in the classroom.
• Develop supportive partnerships with parents and provide opportunities for parent involvement.
• Hold conference at least twice per year with parents and address concerns as they arise.
• Refer children for special services when appropriate with Director approval.
• Ensure compliance with all OFCS regulations and Center policies.
• Maintain ASPIRE Professional Development listing.
• Maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification through required training.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, bend, and move quickly to respond to children’s needs.
• Ability to work on the floor with children for extended periods.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Childhood Education.
• Three years’ experience working in an established child‑care center in a supervisory role.
• NYS Certification Birth‑Second Grade required.

• Starting  an hour.
• Medical benefits available.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

Ulster Community College Association is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The Association encourages applications from all qualified applicants. Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who, due to a disability, require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for the position), or the interview should notify the Human Resources Office 10 working days before the accommodation is required.