Lead Toddler Teacher

Jewish Community Center Of Schenectady; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Discounts

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401k

Free membership

Job summary

Schenectady JCC is seeking a Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher in Schenectady, NY to create a safe, nurturing learning space for birth through age three and lead curriculum, routines, and family communications.

You'll work with a collaborative team, support developmental goals, and ensure compliance with NY OCFS regulations. Competitive pay ($19.00-$21.00 hourly) and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field, or Associate's Degree in Human Services or CDA.
• Minimum of 1 year paid or volunteer experience with children.
• Ability to work as part of a team with families and volunteers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Willingness to adhere to NYS OCFS regulations and pass clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide responsive, individualized care for each child.
• Establish nurturing relationships promoting security and well-being.
• Guide children’s social-emotional development through relationship-based practices.
• Attend to daily care needs (feeding, diapering, hygiene).
• Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences.
• Engage families and maintain regular communication.

Skills

Team player

Strong communication

Willingness to comply

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education or related field, or Associate's Degree in Human Services or CDA

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Schenectady JCC - Schenectady, NY 12309, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $19.00 - $21.00 Hourly

The Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children from birth through age three. The Lead Teacher plans and implements responsive, relationship-based experiences that support children's physical, social-emotional, cognitive, language, and creative development.

The Lead Teacher provides leadership within the classroom, collaborates with assistant teachers and support staff, builds positive relationships with families, and ensures compliance with all program policies and New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations. The Lead Teacher serves as the primary coordinator of classroom curriculum, daily routines, child assessments, and family communication.

Responsibilities and Duties

Child Development and Care

• Provide responsive, individualized care that supports the unique needs of each child.
• Establish nurturing relationships that promote children's sense of security, belonging, and well‑being.
• Support children's social‑emotional development through positive guidance and relationship‑based practices.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times.
• Attend to children's daily care needs, including feeding, diapering, toileting, sleeping, dressing, and hygiene routines.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to children's developmental, emotional, behavioral, and health needs.

Curriculum and Learning Environment

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences based on children's interests, developmental levels, and individual needs.
• Create engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments that encourage exploration, discovery, and play.
• Incorporate opportunities for language development, sensory exploration, movement, problem‑solving, creativity, and social interaction throughout the day.
• Maintain classroom materials and learning centers that are safe, organized, inviting, and reflective of children's interests and cultures.
• Support program philosophies, including play‑based learning, relationship‑based practices, and culturally responsive teaching.
• Integrate Jewish values, traditions, and culture into classroom experiences as appropriate.

Assessment and Documentation

• Observe and document children's development, interests, and learning experiences.
• Complete child assessments, developmental screenings, and other required documentation in accordance with program expectations.
• Use assessment information to inform curriculum planning and individualized support strategies.
• Maintain accurate records related to attendance, daily routines, incidents, health information, and child development.

Family Engagement

• Establish positive and professional relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly with families regarding children's experiences, development, and daily routines.
• Support family engagement activities and program events.
• Collaborate with families to support children's individual needs and developmental goals.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.

Classroom Leadership and Team Collaboration

• Provide guidance and support to assistant teachers, aides, floaters, and substitutes assigned to the classroom.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities appropriately while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Model professionalism and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Participate in classroom and program planning meetings.
• Collaborate with administration and colleagues to support program goals and continuous improvement efforts.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all OCFS regulations, program policies, and health and safety procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
• Conduct required health and safety checks and documentation.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and follow established procedures.
• Participate in emergency drills, trainings, and required safety procedures.
• Administer medication only when properly trained and authorized in accordance with program policies and regulations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development activities as required.
• Complete all required OCFS training and maintain required certifications.
• Participate in program‑wide events and activities.
• Support the swim program and other specialty programming as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the ECE Director or Assistant Director.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Bachelor's Degree in Education or something related, or Associates Degree in Human Services or CDA
• Minimum of 1 year of paid or volunteer experience working with children
• Must demonstrate an interest in working with young children, parents, and volunteers
• Must demonstrate success in working as a member of a team
• Must have effective and strong communication skills (written and oral)
• Must demonstrate the ability to work well with young children
• Possess a warm, loving, and nurturing personality
• Familiarity with NYS OCFS regulations preferred
• Must receive clearance by NYS OCFS at the time of hire

Physical Demands

• Good physical condition and strength.
• Able to lift a minimum of 30 lbs.
• Able to walk, squat/kneel, and sit on the floor for extended periods of time
• Able to see, hear, and speak with children to ensure their health and safety

We offer competitive wages and benefits including health insurance, discounts, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k, and free membership.

• health insurance
• discounts
• paid time off
• holiday pay
• 401k
• free membership

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer.

Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.

This job description is to be used as a guideline to describe the current functions and requirements of the position. The job description may change at any time based on business needs and/or job reorganization.