UPK Head Teacher – Somers, NY

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

Job summary

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester in Valhalla, NY seeks a UPK Head Teacher for the 2025–2026 school year. This full-time, 10-month position offers summers off and a salary commensurate with experience, with NYS certification required.

You will create a safe, developmentally appropriate preschool learning environment, implement the Pre-K On My Way curriculum, collaborate with families and school partners, and participate in ongoing training to uphold program standards.

Qualifications

• Must hold New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2).
• Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education preferred/required as applicable to NYS certification.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3–5.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and instructional skills.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, interactive lessons that support diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
• Provide individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Prepare and distribute high-quality educational materials, including assignments, summaries, and classroom resources.
• Assess, document, and monitor student progress while providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, parents, and school district representatives through meetings and conferences.
• Plan and facilitate indoor and outdoor educational activities, special events, and classroom experiences.
• Monitor children's behavior, well-being, and safety and report any concerns regarding suspected neglect or abuse in accordance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Serve as a positive role model while upholding the YMCA's core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including district-led seminars, YMCA trainings, and required childcare training.
• Implement the Pre-K On My Way Curriculum and maintain compliance with YMCA preschool program standards.
• Follow all NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Maintain required licensing ratios and ensure a safe, healthy environment at all times.
• Provide nutritious snacks and model appropriate mealtime behaviors.
• Perform light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
• Complete and maintain required childcare documentation, including attendance records, daily health checks, and other program records.
• Work extended hours as needed on early dismissal days, snow days, and during school breaks.
• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Address parent and classroom concerns in collaboration with Preschool Lead Teachers and Early Learning Directors.
• Complete required professional development hours in accordance with NYS OCFS regulations.
• Follow all YMCA emergency procedures, child safety requirements, and discipline guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Early Learning Director.

Skills

Leadership

Instructional skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Early Childhood Education

New York State Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2)

Job description

Location: Valhalla, NY

Job Id:317

# of Openings:1

Position Overview

All applicants must hold New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) to be considered for this position.

The YMCA is seeking a passionate and qualified UPK Head Teacher to join our educational team for the 2025–2026 school year. This is a full-time, 10-month seasonal position with summers off, offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

The UPK Head Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool children while ensuring compliance with all applicable NYS, federal, YMCA, OCFS, and school district regulations.

The Head Teacher will implement the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum and participate in all required training and professional development provided by the local school district and YMCA.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver engaging, interactive lessons that support diverse learning styles and developmental needs.
• Provide individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each child.
• Prepare and distribute high-quality educational materials, including assignments, summaries, and classroom resources.
• Assess, document, and monitor student progress while providing timely and constructive feedback.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, parents, and school district representatives through meetings and conferences.
• Plan and facilitate indoor and outdoor educational activities, special events, and classroom experiences.
• Monitor children's behavior, well-being, and safety and report any concerns regarding suspected neglect or abuse in accordance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Serve as a positive role model while upholding the YMCA's core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, and Honesty.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including district-led seminars, YMCA trainings, and required childcare training.
• Implement the Pre-K On My Way Curriculum and maintain compliance with YMCA preschool program standards.
• Follow all NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Maintain required licensing ratios and ensure a safe, healthy environment at all times.
• Provide nutritious snacks and model appropriate mealtime behaviors.
• Perform light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and safe learning environment.
• Complete and maintain required childcare documentation, including attendance records, daily health checks, and other program records.
• Work extended hours as needed on early dismissal days, snow days, and during school breaks.
• Build and maintain positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Address parent and classroom concerns in collaboration with Preschool Lead Teachers and Early Learning Directors.
• Complete required professional development hours in accordance with NYS OCFS regulations.
• Follow all YMCA emergency procedures, child safety requirements, and discipline guidelines.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Early Learning Director.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 18 years old.
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred/required as applicable to NYS certification.
• 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.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and instructional skills.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Prior experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational setting preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team and school community.

$45,000-$50,000