Location: Little Scholars, 600 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
Pay: $24–$27 per hour
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Job type: Full-time, in person
Sign-on bonus: $250

Little Scholars is hiring an experienced Preschool Lead Teacher for our early childhood education center in Chelsea, Manhattan.

In this role, you will lead a preschool classroom, create engaging and developmentally appropriate learning experiences, and support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development. This position is ideal for a caring, dependable educator who enjoys building meaningful relationships with children, families, and fellow teachers.

About Little Scholars

At Little Scholars, our mission is to spark curiosity, promote joy, and cultivate growth.

We believe young children learn best through play, exploration, creativity, and positive relationships. Our teachers create safe and engaging classrooms where children can build confidence, develop new skills, and discover the world around them.

What You’ll Do

As a Preschool Lead Teacher, you will:

  • Lead the daily operation of a preschool classroom
  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons and activities
  • Support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development
  • Create a warm, inclusive, safe, and organized classroom environment
  • Establish consistent classroom routines and positive behavioral expectations
  • Adapt activities and teaching methods to children’s developmental needs and learning styles
  • Observe, document, and assess children’s progress
  • Maintain accurate classroom and developmental records
  • Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and caregivers
  • Build supportive relationships with children and their families
  • Collaborate with assistant teachers, education directors, and other team members
  • Follow all applicable health, safety, licensing, and program requirements

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this position, you must have:

  • An associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field
  • At least 12 core Early Childhood Education credits
  • At least one year of professional experience working with young children
  • Experience planning or implementing age-appropriate classroom activities
  • Strong classroom-management and organizational skills
  • Effective communication skills with children, families, and coworkers
  • Patience, empathy, reliability, and a nurturing approach
  • The ability to meet all applicable New York State and New York City licensing requirements
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States
  • The ability to commute reliably to 600 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

  • Current New York State Birth–Grade 2 teaching certification
  • Experience with the Exploration Curriculum, Units of Study, Creative Curriculum, HighScope, or another early childhood learning framework
  • Previous experience leading a preschool classroom
  • Bilingual or multilingual communication skills

Pay and Benefits

This position pays $24–$27 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Eligible employees may receive:

  • $250 sign-on bonus
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Employee discount
  • Professional development and growth opportunities

Benefit eligibility and terms may vary.

Work Location and Schedule

This is a full-time, in-person position at:

Little Scholars
600 6th Avenue
New York, NY 10011

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

Candidates should review the location and confirm that they can commute reliably to Chelsea before applying.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now and submit your current résumé and contact information.

Please make sure your résumé clearly includes:

  • Your education and Early Childhood Education credits
  • Your childcare or classroom experience
  • Any relevant teaching certifications
  • Your current contact information

Our recruiting team will contact selected candidates regarding the next step in the interview process.

Help children build the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to succeed. Apply today to join the Little Scholars team as a Preschool Lead Teacher.