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Preschool & Pre-K Lead Teacher Job Opportunity

 

Position Summary

Academic Explorers is accepting applications for enthusiastic, nurturing, and dedicated Preschool and Pre-K Lead Teachers to join our growing team. If you enjoy creating engaging classroom experiences, fostering children's curiosity, and making a lasting impact during one of the most important stages of development, we'd love to meet you.

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At Academic Explorers, we are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education through a research-based curriculum, supportive leadership, ongoing professional development, and a collaborative team environment.

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As a Preschool or Pre-K Lead Teacher, you will:

  • Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom where every child feels valued and supported.

  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using The Creative Curriculum®.

  • Foster children's growth across all areas of development through purposeful play, hands-on learning, and meaningful interactions.

  • Build early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social-emotional, and executive functioning skills to prepare children for kindergarten success.

  • Observe, assess, and document children's progress using Teaching Strategies GOLD® and classroom observations.

  • Maintain organized lesson plans, children's portfolios, and classroom documentation.

  • Differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs, interests, and developmental levels of each child.

  • Build positive relationships and maintain open communication with families regarding their child's development and classroom experiences.

  • Collaborate with assistant teachers, administrators, and specialists to provide exceptional care and education.

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment that meets all New York State OCFS health and safety regulations.

  • Participate in staff meetings, trainings, professional development opportunities, and school events.

 

We're Looking For Someone Who...

  • Has a genuine passion for working with preschool-aged children and helping them develop a lifelong love of learning.

  • Creates engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

  • Understands that play is one of the most powerful ways young children learn.

  • Believes every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

  • Builds strong, positive relationships with children, families, and fellow team members.

  • Is organized, dependable, and takes pride in maintaining a well-prepared classroom.

  • Communicates professionally and works collaboratively with colleagues and families.

  • Embraces coaching, professional development, and continuous learning.

  • Maintains a positive attitude, is flexible, and is willing to jump in wherever needed to support the team.

  • Is excited to help children develop the confidence, independence, and foundational skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

 

Qualifications​​​

  • At least 9 college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with an approved plan of study.

  • Have experience working with preschool-aged children in a licensed child care center, preschool, school, or similar early childhood setting.

  • Demonstrate strong communication, organizational, and classroom management skills.

  • Be able to work collaboratively as part of a professional team.

  • Be able to lift up to 40 pounds and actively participate in all classroom activities.

  • Be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid certification and complete all required training.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Meet all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements for employment.

 

Preferred:

  • An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.

  • A Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

  • Experience implementing The Creative Curriculum®.

  • Experience using Teaching Strategies GOLD® or other child assessment systems.

  • Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and play-based learning.

  • Bilingual communication skills (English/Spanish).

  • Experience preparing children for kindergarten through intentional instruction and assessment.

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Physical Requirements​

This position requires the ability to:

  • Lift and carry children and classroom materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds.

  • Frequently sit on the floor, kneel, squat, bend, reach, and actively engage with young children throughout the day.

  • Respond quickly to children's needs to ensure their health and safety.

  • Perform feeding, diapering/toileting assistance and other routine caregiving responsibilities as needed.

  • Participating in indoor and outdoor activities daily.

 

Pay rate: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

 

Why Join Academic Explorers?

When you join Academic Explorers, you're joining a team that values educators and invests in their success.

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We offer:

  • Competitive pay based on education and experience

  • 401(k) with employer matching

  • Opportunities for advancement

  • Paid professional development and training

  • Paid time off (for eligible employees)

  • Supportive leadership and coaching

  • A collaborative team environment

  • Beautiful, well-equipped classrooms

  • The opportunity to make a lasting impact during the most important years of a child's development

 

If you're passionate about early childhood education and ready to help shape the lives of our youngest learners, we'd love to hear from you.

 

Academic Explorers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background clearances, fingerprinting, and meeting all applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) employment requirements.

Teacher & Assistant Job Application

Which position(s) are you applying for? (Select all that apply.)
Which location are you interested in working at? (Select all that apply.)
Which option best describes the type of employment are you seeking?
Full time (30-40 hours per week)
Part time (less than 30 hours per week)
Afternoon hours only (between 1:30pm - 6:30pm)

Please note: Our centers may operate Monday - Friday between 6:30am - 6:30pm.

Personal Information

What city do you currently live in?

Education
Which option best describes your current education level?
Which languages are you able to speak fluently? (Select all that apply.)
Experience

Please add relevant child care experience only.

How many years of paid child care experience do you have?

This means formal employment. Not unpaid or volunteer experience.

By submitting this application, I certify that the information I have provided is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false, misleading, or omitted information may result in the rejection of my application or, if employed, disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.


I understand that submitting this application does not guarantee an interview or employment and does not create an employment contract or offer of employment.


I authorize Academic Explorers Management, Inc. to verify the information provided in this application, including my employment history, education, certifications, and professional references, as permitted by applicable law.


If offered employment, I understand that my employment will be contingent upon successfully meeting all applicable hiring requirements, which may include fingerprinting, background clearances, reference checks, verification of employment eligibility, and compliance with all New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements applicable to the position.


I understand that the personal information I submit will be used solely for employment-related purposes and handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and Academic Explorers' privacy practices.

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