Lead teacher

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a passionate, dedicated Lead Daycare Teacher to join our new group family daycare in the Park Hill neighborhood of Yonkers. This is an exciting opportunity to help launch a high-quality early childhood program from the ground up and make a lasting impact on young children's lives.

ABOUT US

Growing Minds Bilingual Academy is a group family daycare committed to providing a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children. We believe in fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through play-based, child-centered experiences. Walking distance to Tibbetts Brook Park, our location offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor exploration and nature-based learning.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a deep, genuine love for children and their development
• Is patient, kind, and nurturing by nature
• Finds joy in the daily moments with young children
• Has a genuine passion for early childhood education
• Is warm and creates a safe, loving environment
• Takes initiative and can work independently
• Is flexible and adaptable in a startup environment
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality
• Values diversity and creates an inclusive environment
• Has a positive, can-do attitude
• Treats every child with respect, compassion, and understanding

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Classroom Leadership & Instruction

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate daily activities and lesson plans
• Create a warm, welcoming, and stimulating learning environment
• Establish and maintain classroom routines and schedules
• Lead circle time, group activities, and learning centers
• Facilitate indoor and outdoor play experiences
• Support children's social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Create and maintain classroom bulletin boards with children's work, learning themes, and parent information

Child Care & Daily Needs

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times
• Supervise children during all activities, meals, and transitions
• Change diapers and assist with toileting as needed following proper hygiene protocols
• Prepare and serve light meals and snacks in accordance with meal plans and dietary restrictions
• Implement positive guidance and classroom management strategies
• Maintain required child-to-staff ratios
• Follow all health and safety protocols
• Administer basic first aid when needed
• Monitor and document children's developmental progress

Family Communication & Collaboration

• Build positive relationships with families
• Communicate daily with parents about their child's activities and progress
• Conduct tours for prospective families and answer questions about the program
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss child progress and development
• Participate in family events
• Respond to parent questions and concerns professionally

Marketing & Enrollment Support

• Assist with marketing efforts including social media content, program promotion, and community outreach
• Represent the daycare professionally in the community
• Help maintain positive online presence and reputation

Program Support & Special Projects

• Assist Program Director with special projects and initiatives as needed
• Support program development and quality improvement efforts
• Participate in planning special events, field trips, and family engagement activities
• Contribute ideas for program enhancement and growth

Administrative & Compliance

• Maintain accurate daily attendance and activity records
• Keep Aspire Registry account current and updated with all training hours and credentials
• Ensure all children's files are complete, updated, and compliant with NYS OCFS requirements
• Prepare for and support compliance during OCFS and Department of Health visits
• Ensure program is always inspection-ready and meets all regulatory standards
• Complete incident/accident reports as needed
• Maintain documentation for immunizations, emergency contacts, and permissions
• Participate in staff meetings and professional development
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and safe environment.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 1-2 years of experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting
• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate activities
• Experience implementing curriculum frameworks
• Knowledge of Reggio Emilia or Montessori approaches is a plus
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Patience, creativity, and genuine love for working with children
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and engage in active play
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credential (preferred)
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field (strongly preferred)
• Valid NYS OCFS background check clearance (will be completed upon hire)
• Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 30 days)
• Completion of 15-hour Health and Safety training (or willingness to complete upon hire)

WHAT WE OFFER

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate: $18.00/hour
• Paid holidays and time off (details to be discussed)
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive, collaborative work environment
• Opportunity to grow with a new program

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume highlighting relevant experience
• Cover letter explaining why you're passionate about early childhood education
• References (at least 2 professional references)

Send application materials to:

Email: [email protected]

Subject Line: Lead Daycare Teacher Application

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.50 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person