UPK Head Teacher – Somers, NY

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.

Salary

Location

Somers, NY

Primrose Elementary School

110 Primrose Street

Lincolndale, NY 10540

If you are passionate about early childhood education and are looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children and their families, we encourage you to apply and join the YMCA team!