UPK Teacher

AACTE; Deer Park, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

401(k)

401(k) matching

Company parties

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Learning Experience in Deer Park, NY is seeking a Lead Teacher to guide and mentor staff, implement the LEAP Curriculum, and create a safe, engaging classroom where infants to preschoolers can grow.

As a classroom leader, you will communicate with families, collaborate with staff, plan activities, ensure safety, and support the mission of joyful, developmentally appropriate learning.

Qualifications

• Educational Leader with ability to guide and mentor other educators
• Innate educator dedicated to early education and developmental needs of children
• Passion for children’s happiness and development in early years
• Growth mindset and belief in every child’s potential to learn

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and collaborate to create a stimulating, welcoming space for children to play, learn, and grow
• Masterfully implement our proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum®, adapting to infants, toddlers, and/or preschool learners
• Prioritize safety and maintain a nurturing environment
• Regularly update families on child progress and milestones via apps and in-person conversations
• Collaborate with center staff and leadership to drive retention, enrollment, and engagement
• Build warm relationships with families and colleagues to support learning and play

Skills

Educational Leader

Innate Educator

Passion for Impact

Growth Mindset

Education

High School Diploma/GED

ECE coursework preferred

Job description

Benefits:

• Free food & snacks
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Tuition assistance

Join the fastest growing Academy of Early Education in the nation where “Happy Happens Here”! At The Learning Experience, our Lead Teachers are ambassadors of happiness, creating meaningful moments that reflect our mission — to make a difference in the lives of children, their families, and the communities we serve. As a Lead Teacher, you’ll set the academic foundation for lifelong learning while inspiring joy, curiosity, and confidence in young minds.

Compensation:

Core Attributes:

• Educational Leader: An enthusiasm for early education with the expertise to guide and mentor other educators in their journey.
• Innate Educator: A passion for early education and a commitment to the developmental needs of children.
• Passion for Impact: A heart that beats for children's developmental needs and happiness.
• Growth Mindset: A deep-seated belief in the potential of every child, with the ambition to instill a lifelong love of learning.

Role Responsibilities:

• Classroom Leadership: Plan, prepare, and collaborate to orchestrate a stimulating, welcoming space where children can play, learn, and grow.
• Curriculum Implementation: Masterfully bring to life our proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum®, adapting your approach to the individual needs of Infants, Toddlers, and/or Preschool children.
• Safety First: Always prioritize a safe, nurturing environment where children are safeguarded and can thrive.
• Family Communication: Regularly update parents on their child's progress and milestones, leveraging a mix of mobile apps and in-person discussions.
• Center Collaboration: Be a team player. Collaborate with center staff and leadership to drive retention, enrollment, and engagement goals.
• Relationship Builder: Cultivate warm relationships with families and colleagues, fostering an environment where learning and play coexist effortlessly.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Must meet state-specific guidelines for the role. High School Diploma/GED required; ECE coursework preferred.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience: Extended experience in a childcare setting with a history of classroom leadership roles. A deep-rooted passion for early childhood education is essential.
• State Compliance: Must meet state-specific guidelines for the role.
• Must meet state and federal requirements including immunizations, employment physicals, and required health and safety training.

Caregiving Skills:

• Proven judgment to identify and address potential risks in a childcare setting.
• Ensure children are safe and their daily needs are met, including diapering, dressing, grooming, and feeding.
• Model and encourage strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Keep children active, engaged, and involved in developmentally appropriate activities.
• Exhibit composure, patience, and professionalism at all times.

Physical Resilience:

• Demonstrate full range of motion to:
  • Stand and walk for extended periods without discomfort.
  • Lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds safely.
  • Reach, stretch, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Use a stool or ladder to access high places as needed.
• Ability to supervise by sight and sound.
• Work outdoors during portions of the day in temperatures ranging from 20°F (with wind chill) to 95°F.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and a consistent energy level to meet essential job functions.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made with supporting documentation.