Lead Teacher – 2- to 3-Year-Old Classroom | Private, Year-Round Program

Join Little Scholars Learning Center and receive a $250 sign-on bonus!

Location: 600 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011 (Chelsea, Manhattan)

Pay: $24.00–$27.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Position: Full-Time, In-Person

Program: Private, 12-Month Early Childhood Education Program

About the Opportunity

Little Scholars Learning Center is looking for a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Lead Teacher to join our Chelsea team and lead a classroom of children ages 2–3 years old.

Please note: This is a private, year-round early childhood education program, NOT a DOE-funded 3-K or Pre-K for All classroom. Our program operates on a 12-month schedule rather than a traditional DOE school-year calendar.

This is an opportunity for an educator who understands the importance of early childhood development and enjoys helping toddlers build language, independence, confidence, and social skills through play-based learning.

As our Lead Teacher, you will take an active role in creating a nurturing, structured, and engaging classroom where young children can explore, develop meaningful relationships, and reach important developmental milestones.

• Lead Your Classroom: Create a safe, welcoming, and well-organized learning environment for children ages 2–3.
• Plan Engaging Learning Experiences: Develop and implement age-appropriate activities incorporating sensory play, art, music, movement, early literacy, and hands-on exploration.
• Support Early Childhood Development: Encourage children’s social-emotional, cognitive, physical, language, and self-help skills.
• Build Independence: Support daily routines, transitions, toileting readiness, positive behavior guidance, and the development of age-appropriate independence.
• Track Developmental Progress: Observe children’s growth, maintain developmental documentation, and adapt learning experiences to individual needs.
• Partner With Families: Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers about classroom activities, developmental milestones, and their child’s progress.
• Collaborate With Your Teaching Team: Work closely with Assistant Teachers and center leadership to maintain consistent routines and a positive classroom environment.
• Maintain Health and Safety Standards: Ensure appropriate supervision, classroom cleanliness, and compliance with NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene requirements.

We are seeking candidates who meet the applicable NYC Health Code Article 47 Group Teacher qualification requirements for this classroom.

Applicants must:

• Have at least 1 year of professional experience working with young children in an early childhood education or licensed childcare setting.
• Meet the applicable Article 47 educational qualification requirements. Depending on the classroom’s licensed ages and enrollment, qualifying pathways may include:
• An Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, with appropriate teaching certification or other qualifications recognized under Article 47.
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential together with the required study plan toward an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, where permitted.
• Demonstrate strong classroom management, communication, and organizational skills.
• Understand developmentally appropriate practices for toddlers and young preschoolers.
• Be able to meet applicable background screening, health, and childcare licensing requirements.
• Be able to commute reliably to our Chelsea location.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Valid NYS Birth–Grade 2 (B-2) Teaching Certification.
• Previous experience as a Lead Teacher working with children ages 2–3.
• Experience with play-based, child-centered early childhood curricula.
• Knowledge of developmental assessments and classroom observation practices.
• Proficiency in additional languages.

Why Join Little Scholars?

At Little Scholars, we believe early childhood educators play an essential role in helping children discover the world around them.

We value teachers who bring creativity, patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to the children in their care.

Our educators have the opportunity to:

• Make a lasting impact during one of the most important stages of childhood development.
• Take ownership of classroom planning and meaningful learning experiences.
• Collaborate with fellow educators and center leadership.
• Develop their classroom leadership and early childhood education skills.
• Build lasting relationships with children and families in a year-round learning community.

Receive a $250 sign-on bonus when you join our team!

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are a qualified early childhood educator who loves working with toddlers and is excited to lead a classroom in a private, year-round childcare program, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today to join Little Scholars Learning Center in Chelsea, Manhattan.