UPK Head Teacher – Valhalla, NY

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

Job summary

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

Applicants must hold New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2). The Head Teacher will create a safe, nurturing classroom, implement the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum, and collaborate with families and district staff.

Qualifications

• New York State certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) required.
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred/required as applicable to NYS certification.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational setting preferred.

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.
• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, parents, and school district representatives through meetings and conferences.
• Follow NYS OCFS regulations and YMCA policies and procedures.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Instructional skills

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education

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