DOE Head Teacher (Ridgewood YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 59,670 - 72,930; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Medical

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking a Head Teacher for a Universal Pre‑K or Universal 3K classroom at the Ridgewood YMCA in Queens, NY. The Head Teacher will plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of the children and supervise staff.

You will work within the Center’s program framework, conduct assessments, maintain records, and engage families while ensuring health, safety, and regulatory guidelines are

Qualifications

• Degree/licensing requirements for NY early childhood services as outlined (Level I–III).
• Experience with young children in group settings preferred.
• Strong communication with families and staff.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and wellbeing of children in the program.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities.
• Develop classroom centers aligned with ongoing curriculum.
• Facilitate student assessments and record-keeping.
• Communicate with parents/guardians about child growth and development.
• Encourage parent involvement in events and volunteer opportunities.
• Collaborate with YMCA staff and supervise Assistant Teachers and Volunteers.
• Maintain a clean and safe classroom environment.
• Maintain accurate program documentation and reports.
• Follow all YMCA, DOH, and NYSED guidelines and policies.
• Participate in meetings and trainings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Level I NYSED license

Level II NYSED license

Level III NYSED license

Job description

Full-Time / Regular

$66,300 Salaried

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today 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. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “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 Ridgewood 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate and engaging 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 writing, 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 habits, 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.

Desired Skills & Experience:

• Level I: 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 to Grade 2, n to 6, or Pre‑K to 6) certification.
• Level II: 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 to Grade 2, n to 6, or Pre‑K to 6) certification.
• Level III: 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 to Grade 2, n to 6, or Pre‑K to 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.

Benefits:

• retirement benefits
• medical
• paid time off
• free YMCA membership
• and more!

Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full‑time or part‑time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

Full-Time / Regular

Ridgewood YMCA

Queens, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities