UPK Head Teacher – Birth–Grade 2 Certified

Position:UPK Head Teacher – Birth–Grade 2 Certified

Location: White Plains , NY

Job :324

# of Openings:1

UPK Head Teacher – Birth–Grade 2 Certified

YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester
Location: 148 Hamilton Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
Position Type: Full-Time, 10-Month School-Year Position
Salary: $45,000–$50,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications
Schedule: Follows the local school district calendar, with summers off

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and qualified UPK Head Teacher to join our educational team for the 2026–2027 school year
.

The UPK Head Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children. The Head Teacher will plan and implement engaging educational experiences while ensuring compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, YMCA policies, school district requirements, and applicable state and federal guidelines.

The Head Teacher will implement the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum and participate in required training and professional development provided by the local school district and YMCA.

• Design and implement engaging, interactive lessons that support a variety of learning styles and developmental needs.
• Provide individualized instruction and support based on each child's unique strengths and needs.
• Prepare high-quality educational materials, classroom activities, assignments, and learning resources.
• Assess, document, and monitor children's developmental and educational progress.
• Maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, parents, school district representatives, and YMCA leadership.
• Participate in parent conferences, staff meetings, professional development, and school district meetings.
• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor learning activities.
• Support classroom routines, transitions, meals, and daily activities.
• Monitor children's behavior, health, well-being, and safety, and report concerns in accordance with YMCA and OCFS procedures.
• Serve as a positive role model while demonstrating the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
  .
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including required district and YMCA trainings.
• Follow all Pre-K On My Way curriculum expectations and YMCA preschool program standards.
• Maintain compliance with NYS OCFS regulations, licensing requirements, and YMCA policies.
• Maintain required classroom ratios and provide a safe and healthy environment at all times.
• Provide nutritious snacks and model appropriate mealtime behaviors.
• Complete light housekeeping and classroom organization responsibilities to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
• Complete all required childcare documentation, including attendance records, daily health checks, lesson plans, and other program records.
• Work extended hours when needed due to early dismissals, snow days, school breaks, or other program needs.
• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children, families, coworkers, and community partners.
• Address parent and classroom concerns in collaboration with the Preschool Lead Teacher and Early Learning Director.
• Complete required OCFS professional development, including a minimum of 15 hours during the first six months of employment and the required training hours thereafter.
• Follow all YMCA emergency procedures, child safety requirements, and positive discipline practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Early Learning Director.

• Minimum age: 18 years old.
• Bach…