Lead Teacher

Big Dreams Child Care is a licensed early childhood education center serving families at 2230 Cropsey Avenue. Our program spans infants through Pre-K, and we are building a teaching team defined by professionalism, consistency, and high expectations for both children and adults.

We are hiring Lead Teachers who are able to effectively lead a classroom and be held to a professional standard. The role carries real responsibility: you set the tone for your room, lead the assistant teachers assigned to it, and serve as a point contact for the families in your care. In return, you will work within a transparent environment, receive direct support from our Educational Director focused on classroom quality, and have a defined path for advancement within the organization.

Job Description

The Lead Teacher is responsible for the safety, development, and daily experience of every child in the assigned classroom; the quality and consistency of the educational program; full compliance with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Article 47 regulations; the relationship with each enrolled family; and the direction and performance of the Assistant Teachers assigned to the room. This is a non-exempt, full-time position reporting to the Educational Director.

Responsibilities

Classroom leadership and instruction

• Plan and deliver a developmentally appropriate daily program for the assigned age group, aligned to the center's curriculum framework, with structured routines, small-group instruction, and purposeful play
• Establish and maintain classroom routines, transitions, and behavior expectations that create a calm, predictable environment for children
• Differentiate instruction and care to meet the individual needs of each child, including children with developmental or behavioral support needs

Health, safety, and compliance

• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios at all times and manage coverage transitions with the Educational Director
• Complete daily attendance, health checks, incident reports, and all required documentation accurately and on the same day
• Keep the classroom inspection-ready under Article 47 standards, including health, hygiene, allergy, and safe-sleep protocols where applicable
• Serve as a mandated reporter and follow all center policies regarding child protection

Assessment and family engagement

• Conduct ongoing developmental observations and complete periodic assessments for each child as directed
• Communicate with families daily through Brightwheel and in person at drop-off and pick-up
• Respond to family questions and concerns the same day, and escalate to the Educational Director when appropriate
• Represent the center professionally in every family interaction

Team leadership

• Direct the daily work of one to three Assistant Teachers: assign responsibilities, model expectations, and provide real-time feedback
• Contribute to the performance evaluations of assigned Assistant Teachers
• Ensure the classroom operates to standard during your planning time, breaks, and absences by preparing your team accordingly

Professional conduct

• Maintain reliable, punctual attendance in accordance with the center's attendance and call-out policy. Children and colleagues depend on your presence, and this expectation is fundamental to the role.
• Participate in staff meetings, required training hours, and scheduled performance reviews
• Adhere to the employee handbook and all center policies

Qualifications

Education Requirements

Candidates must meet at least one of the following:

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education OR 90+ college credits toward degree
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• High School Diploma with at least 12 college credits toward an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Degree or coursework in Child Psychology with at least 12 credits specifically related to Early Childhood Education
• Degree or coursework in Child Development with at least 12 credits specifically related to Early Childhood Education
• Degree or coursework in General Education with at least 12 credits specifically related to Early Childhood Education

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of teaching or early childhood classroom experience preferred
• Experience working with preschool-age children and/or toddlers
• Strong classroom-management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Dependable, professional, patient, attentive, and nurturing
• Ability to lead a classroom while working collaboratively with a team
• Genuine passion for working with young children
• Must meet all required background, health, and regulatory clearances for employment in a child care setting

Big Dreams Child Care is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay: $24.00 - $29.50 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person