Lead Preschool Teacher

Lead Preschool Teacher

Hearts & Minds Daycare – Jamaica, Queens
Pay: starting at$27 per hour
Positions: Full-time, part-time opening/closing shifts, and on-call

Hearts & Minds Daycare is seeking a nurturing, dependable, and experienced Lead Teacher to work with children ages 2–4. The ideal candidate will create an engaging classroom, implement developmentally appropriate instruction, guide classroom assistants, and maintain a safe and positive learning environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field acceptable to NYC DOHMH
• At least two years of supervised and documented experience in a preschool program
• Experience working with children ages 2–5
• Strong classroom-management, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to provide transcripts, degree documentation, and verification of qualifying experience
• Must meet all NYC DOHMH background-check, fingerprinting, SCR, health, and training requirements

Candidates must meet the education-and-experience requirements at the time of hire. This is not a study-plan position. Final qualification approval is subject to NYC DOHMH review.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities
• Establish consistent classroom routines and smooth transitions
• Maintain active supervision, required staff-to-child ratios, and accurate child counts
• Provide positive guidance and age-appropriate behavior support
• Observe and document children’s development and progress
• Maintain required classroom records and documentation
• Guide assistant teachers, aides, interns, and substitutes
• Communicate professionally with families and program leadership
• Follow all health, safety, emergency, and confidentiality procedures
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and program activities

Scheduling Options

Hearts & Minds Daycare operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

We are currently considering candidates for:

• Full-time classroom assignments
• Part-time opening shifts
• Part-time closing shifts
• On-call or substitute coverage

Applicants should include their complete availability when applying. Part-time and on-call positions do not guarantee a specific number of weekly hours.

Compensation

$24–$27 per hour, based on qualifying education and experience, classroom leadership, schedule availability, and overall fit.

Qualified candidates will be invited to an initial interview. Selected candidates may then be invited to an in-person interview and brief classroom demonstration.

Hearts & Minds Daycare is an equal-opportunity employer.

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Daycare: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person