Certified UPK Head Teacher – Birth–Grade 2 at YMCA of Central Northern Westchester in New York, United States

Certified UPK Head Teacher – Birth–Grade 2

YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester

Location: YMCA UPK @ PQ Elementary School
173 June Road, North Salem, NY 10560

Position Type: Full-Time | 10-Month School-Year Position
Salary: $45,000–$50,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
Schedule: Follows the local school district calendar, with summers off

Position Summary

The YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and NYS-certified UPK Head Teacher to join our Early Learning team for the 2026–2027 school year.

The UPK Head Teacher will lead a preschool classroom, creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and physical growth of young children.

The successful candidate will plan and implement engaging educational experiences using the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum, while ensuring compliance with New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) regulations, YMCA policies, school district expectations, and applicable state and federal guidelines.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children while working collaboratively with families, colleagues, and school district partners.

Key Responsibilities

Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons and activities that support children's individual learning styles, interests, and developmental needs.
Lead daily classroom instruction using the Pre-K On My Way Scholastic Curriculum and follow all required curriculum guidelines.
Create an inclusive classroom environment that promotes children's cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development.
Observe, assess, document, and monitor children's developmental progress and learning outcomes.
Prepare classroom materials, lesson plans, educational resources, and hands-on learning experiences.
Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines, transitions, and positive behavior management practices.
Supervise children at all times, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being.
Maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and stimulating classroom environment.
Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, families, school district representatives, and YMCA leadership.
Participate in parent conferences, staff meetings, school district meetings, and required professional development.
Communicate effectively with families regarding children's progress, classroom activities, and any concerns.
Complete all required program documentation, including attendance, daily health checks, lesson plans, incident reports, and other classroom records.
Maintain compliance with NYS OCFS licensing regulations, classroom ratios, YMCA policies, and school district requirements.
Follow all YMCA emergency procedures, child safety protocols, and positive discipline practices.
Participate in required OCFS professional development, including a minimum of 15 training hours during the first six months of employment and applicable annual training requirements thereafter.
Support daily classroom operations, including meals, snacks, indoor and outdoor activities, and light housekeeping.
Demonstrate the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Early Learning Director.

Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
Required: Valid New York State Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2).
Strong understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3–5.
Previous experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational setting preferred.
Strong classroom leadership, communication, organization, and instructional skills.
Ability to develop engaging lesson plans and create a positive, inclusive learning environment.
Ability to work collaboratively with teaching teams, families, school district personnel, and YMCA leadership.
Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all children.

What We Offer

Full-time, 10-month school-year position.
Summers off while receiving your annual salary spread over 12 months.
Schedule that follows the local school district calendar.
Competitive annual salary of $45,000–$50,000, based on experience and qualifications.
YMCA employee benefits for eligible employees.
Opportunities for professional growth, training, and development.
The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in your community.

Join the YMCA of Central & Northern Westchester and help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning!