Head Teacher Preschool 2

Berkshire Family YMCA; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkshire Family YMCA in Pittsfield, MA is hiring a Head Teacher Preschool 2 for the new Taconic High School childcare center. You will lead age-appropriate lessons, design curricula, monitor child progress, and partner with families to support each child's growth.

You will mentor assistant teachers, ensure safety, and coordinate with administrative staff to maintain licensing compliance and high-quality early education services.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include EEC Director Qualified and a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Valid state teaching certification or licensure for preschool education.
• Minimum of three years of experience teaching preschool-aged children.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development principles and curriculum design.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that align with early childhood education standards.
• Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages exploration and creativity.
• Observe and assess children's development and learning, maintaining accurate records and communicating progress to parents and guardians.
• Lead, mentor, and support assistant teachers and classroom aides to ensure high-quality instruction and care.
• Collaborate with families, administrators, and external professionals to address individual student needs and promote holistic development.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations within the classroom and facility.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

Skills

Preschool leadership

Curriculum design

Mentoring staff

Communication with families

Regulatory compliance

Observation and assessment

Bilingual abilities

Leadership in ECE

Education

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

State preschool teaching certification

Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Educational Leadership

Job description

This position is located at our new childcare center at Taconic High School, 96 Valentine Rd., Pittsfield, MA 01201.

About the Role

The Head Teacher Preschool 2 is a pivotal leadership position responsible for fostering a nurturing and educational environment for preschool-aged children. This role involves designing and implementing developmentally appropriate curricula that promote cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. The Head Teacher will lead classroom activities, assess student progress, and collaborate closely with families to support each child's unique learning journey. Additionally, this position requires mentoring assistant teachers and coordinating with administrative staff to ensure compliance with educational standards and safety regulations. Ultimately, the Head Teacher Preschool 2 plays a critical role in shaping early childhood experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Required EEC Director Qualified
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Valid state teaching certification or licensure for preschool education
• Minimum of three years of experience teaching preschool-aged children
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development principles and curriculum design
• Current CPR and First Aid certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or Educational Leadership
• Experience in a leadership or supervisory role within an early childhood education setting
• Familiarity with state and national early learning standards and assessment tools
• Training in special education or experience working with children with diverse learning needs
• Bilingual abilities or experience working in multicultural educational environments

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that align with early childhood education standards
• Create a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages exploration and creativity
• Observe and assess children's development and learning, maintaining accurate records and communicating progress to parents and guardians
• Lead, mentor, and support assistant teachers and classroom aides to ensure high-quality instruction and care
• Collaborate with families, administrators, and external professionals to address individual student needs and promote holistic development
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations within the classroom and facility
• Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education

Skills

• Strong communication skills to engage effectively with children, families, and colleagues, ensuring clear and supportive interactions
• Organizational skills essential for planning lessons, managing classroom resources, and maintaining accurate records of student progress and compliance documentation
• Leadership and mentoring abilities to guide assistant teachers and foster a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement
• Problem‑solving skills critical when addressing individual student needs or classroom challenges, adapting strategies to support diverse learners
• Deep understanding of child development theories and instructional techniques to create enriching learning experiences that promote holistic growth

Operating Hours: 7:00am - 4:30pm