UPK Head Teacher – Birth–Grade 2 Certified

YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester; City of White Plains (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA employee benefits for eligible

Competitive salary based on experience

Summers off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

YMCA White Plains Early Learning Center in White Plains, NY is hiring a UPK Head Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. The role focuses on creating a safe, inclusive learning environment for 3–5 year olds and implementing the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum.

The position is full-time, 10 months, with summers off and a salary of $45,000–$50,000 based on experience. Local district calendar scheduling applies, and professional development is provided.

Qualifications

• Age 18+
• Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education or related field
• NY Teacher Certification Birth–2 is required
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Experience with preschool-aged children preferred
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain

Responsibilities

• Design and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Provide individualized instruction based on children's needs.
• Prepare materials, activities, and learning resources.
• Assess and monitor children's progress.
• Maintain a safe, organized classroom environment.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, families, and school partners.
• Participate in conferences, meetings, and trainings.
• Follow OCFS regulations and YMCA policies.

Skills

CPR/First Aid

Strong communication

Leadership

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education

State teaching certification Birth–Grade 2 (NY)

Job description

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

Position Summary

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• Minimum age: 18 years old.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) is required.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3–5.
• Prior experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational setting preferred.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and instructional skills.
• Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and school district partners.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team.

What We Offer

• Full-time, 10-month school-year position
• Summers off
• Schedule that follows the local school district calendar
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• YMCA employee benefits for eligible employees
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and families

Location

YMCA White Plains Early Learning Center

148 Hamilton Avenue

White Plains, NY 10601

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

Position Summary

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and qualified UPK Head Teacher to join our educational team for the 20262027 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.

What We Offer

• Full-time, 10-month school-year position
• Summers off
• Schedule that follows the local school district calendar
• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• YMCA employee benefits for eligible employees
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and families