Preschool Teacher-Director

Company Description

Addie Mae Collins Community Service is a nonprofit organization that has provided Head Start services to children in East Harlem and nearby neighborhoods for over 60 years. The program is dedicated to supporting young children and their families through high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family services. With deep roots in the community, the organization focuses on school readiness, social-emotional development, and strong family partnerships.

Prospective team members join a mission-driven environment and team that values equity, inclusion, innovation and the desire to make a long‑term impact on children’s lives.

The Preschool Teacher-Director is a full-time, on-site role based in New York, NY. This position combines classroom teaching with program leadership, including planning and delivering developmentally appropriate lessons, overseeing curriculum implementation, and ensuring alignment with Head Start standards and early childhood best practices. The Preschool Teacher-Director supervises and supports classroom staff, maintains a safe and nurturing learning environment, and collaborates with families to promote children’s growth and school readiness.

Daily responsibilities include observing and documenting child progress, coordinating with support services, managing classroom schedules and resources, and participating in staff meetings and community outreach activities. The role also involves compliance with regulatory requirements, support for professional development of staff, and active participation in continuous program improvement.

• Strong foundation in Early Childhood Education, with experience teaching preschool and/or Kindergarten.
• Ability to design and implement effective Lesson Planning and Curriculum Development that meets Head Start and early learning standards.
• Excellent Communication skills for engaging children, collaborating with colleagues, and building relationships with families and community partners.
• Relevant degree or certification in Early Childhood Education or a related field, meeting or exceeding Head Start and New York State requirements.
• Experience in classroom management, child assessment, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including staff supervision, mentoring, and coordination of daily program operations.
• Knowledge of child development, family engagement practices, and regulations applicable to preschool and Head Start programs.
• Ability to work on-site in New York, NY, and collaborate effectively within a nonprofit, mission-driven setting.