Early Childhood Educator

Limited Time: $300 sign on bonus*

Columbia Children’s Center (CCC) is a nonprofit, licensed daycare center in Hudson, NY, that provides quality care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers since 1982. We are seeking enthusiastic teachers to join our team. This season we have begun a series of changes to our staffing structure and our programming, and we’re looking for educators with various levels of qualifications who can bring fresh ideas and energy as we adapt and grow.

The ideal candidate has genuine passion for the magical world of young children. You won't just work with young children, you'll be their trusted guide and biggest cheerleader as they navigate the thrilling challenge of being brand new to this world!

Your role is to nurture a classroom environment that helps tiny humans blossom socially, emotionally, and cognitively. You'll dream up hands-on learning activities, read new and classic picture books while doing all the voices, sing everyone’s favorite songs from “Baby Shark” to “The Wheels on the Bus,” and convince them at lunchtime that broccoli gives them superpowers.

What can you look forward to at CCC? You will:

• Help design and lead age-appropriate activities that help little brains and bodies grow strong.
• Foster a classroom that's a safe, warm, and inviting wonderland, filled with materials that spark curiosity.
• Observe and celebrate each child's unique journey, tracking those "Aha!" moments in language, friendship skills, and climbing prowess, then share the good news with their families.
• Champion every child by ensuring your classroom is an inclusive and welcoming place where every learner feels seen and valued.
• Forge strong, joyful connections with your little students, their parents, and your fellow staff members.
• Create a happy, organized, and positive atmosphere by setting clear, kind expectations and teaching kids how to be good friends, great listeners, and thoughtful citizens.
• Ensure our space is always sparkling clean and super safe, following all health regulations and knowing exactly what to do with a little scrape or bump.
• Dive into exciting professional development opportunities to regularly update your teaching skills and bring the freshest, most effective techniques into your classroom.
• Receive regular on-the-job consultation with early childhood education career coaches and advisors.
• Work alongside colleagues who take pride in their work, and receive mentoring from leaders who started their career at CCC (and understand the nuances of the job).

Compensation Package:

Competitive hourly wage among regional daycares: $18–$22

Consistent, reliable work hours

All federal holidays paid

Sick and vacation time

Retirement plan with maximum employer match

Voluntary life insurance

Higher hourly rate for bilingual speakers (particularly Spanish)

Pay rate increases based on educational credentials and years of experience

Required skills and education:

Assistant Teaching positions must have at least a high school diploma or GED

Lead Teaching positions must have a CDA, an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or higher

A nurturing attitude with a passion for teaching young children

The ability to manage a classroom

The ability to create a positive learning environment

Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with children, parents, and colleagues

The ability to work in a team-oriented environment

Preferred but not required:

Experience working with toddlers in a licensed daycare or preschool setting

Knowledge of childhood development principles and practices

Experience working with children with disabilities or special education needs

Education to be provided:

Basic training for working in a licensed daycare center

First aid/CPR certification

On-site, regular teacher workshops & coaching from the DayOne Teacher Apprentice Program, which focuses on relationship-based learning

Application instructions:

Please submit a cover letter telling us about yourself, highlighting your highest educational credential, and your preferred age group. Applicants are also welcome to directly send a cover letter and resume to with the subject line “Teacher Application”.

Note: Research shows women and individuals from other underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a role when they don’t meet all the qualifications. If you are excited about this role but don’t feel you meet our requirements, please reach out to discuss!

Columbia Children’s Center is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status. We highly encourage individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups to apply to join our team at CCC.

*$300 sign on bonus will be paid through payroll for new, full-time hires who remain employed, and in good standing, after six months of consecutive employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Question(s):

• Can you work a full-time schedule within our operating hours of Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 5:00 pm?
• Are you available to work a closing shift (until at least 5 pm)?
• Are you including a cover letter with relevant information about yourself, including your highest educational credential and field of study, your experience working with young children and/or in a licensed daycare setting, and your preferred age group? Please note that we are only considering candidates who submit this.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare or Teaching: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person