Infant & Toddler Head Teacher (Vanderbilt YMCA)

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

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking a Head Teacher for a Toddler or Infant classroom at the Vanderbilt YMCA in New York, NY. You will plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum to support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of young children, supervising staff and coordinating with families.

Responsibilities include maintaining a safe, engaging classroom, documenting progress, and ensuring compliance with health and education guidelines.

Qualifications

• Must have one of the listed education levels in Early Childhood Education.
• Strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities are required.
• Comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health, safety, and well‑being of children with close supervision.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities.
• Develop classroom centers aligned with the curriculum.
• Facilitate assessments and work sampling; document growth.
• Communicate with parents; encourage family engagement.
• Supervise staff and volunteers; participate in training.
• Maintain accurate program documentation and logs.
• Follow all YMCA, health, and DOE guidelines as applicable.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Associate’s degree in ECE

Bachelor’s degree in ECE

Master’s degree in ECE

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 Toddler or Infant classroom at the Vanderbilt YMCA. The Head Teacher will plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of infants and toddlers. 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 developmentally appropriate and engaging lessons and activities. Implement 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 written form, 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, 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

• MUST have ONE of the below:
• Level I: Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (practicum included) and five years of experience; OR Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and an APPROVED DOH study plan (before hire) leading to an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education within seven years.
• Level II: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) and State teacher certification; OR Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and one year of experience.
• Level III: Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) and State teacher certification
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and comfortable working with diverse youth and adults.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including 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.

Employment Type

Full-Time / Regular

Location

Vanderbilt YMCA
New York, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

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