UPK Lead Teacher (Cohoes)

Position Title: UPK Lead Teacher

Performance Profile: Front Line

Department: Universal Pre-Kindergarten

Work Location: Cohoes Elementary School

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary Range: Starting from $19.00/hour

Hours & Schedule: Monday - Friday, 40 hours/week

Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Full-Time Benefits: Paid school holidays and breaks, sick leave, 401(k) w/match, health and dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, New York Paid Family Leave benefits, retirement benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), and eligibility for additional third-party discounts.

Note: This is a 10-month position (August 2025 - June 2026) with BGCCA, working in collaboration with the Cohoes City School District (CCSD).

Organizational Values

At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area (BGCCA), you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll be part of our mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Our team collaborates to ensure that youth in the Capital Area have the opportunity to succeed and thrive in today’s fast-paced environment.

Overview of Your Role

The primary function of the UPK Lead Teacher will be to play a vital role in planning, developing, and instructing students aged 3-4 years old in accordance with the approved CCSD curriculum goals, standards, and learning objectives. Your focus will be on creating a supportive and engaging classroom environment that fosters academic and social-emotional achievement. The classroom configuration is 18 students, one teacher, and one teacher assistant.

Key Job Responsibilities:

The following non-exhaustive list of job duties required for this position:

Leadership & Supervision

• Collaborate effectively with the Teaching Assistant to implement planned lessons, ensuring a safe and positive classroom environment.
• Conduct regular evaluations and provide coaching to the Teaching Assistant based on the performance evaluation policy.
• Actively participate in offered Professional Development opportunities by the CCSD and the BGCCA to enhance teaching skills and stay updated with best practices.

Planning

• Develop engaging and interactive weekly lesson plans that align with the curriculum and meet the unique needs of each student.
• Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to effectively deliver the lesson plan and ensure all required materials are prepared and available in the classroom.
• Utilize the curriculum to provide comprehensive academic and social-emotional programming that addresses each student's learning style.

Education Delivery

• Deliver innovative and hands-on classroom activities that align with predetermined units of study and address individual student needs.
• Provide timely and accurate progress reports, attendance records, progress monitoring reports, summary/goal sheets, and monthly updates.
• Complete all required paperwork in an organized and timely manner.

Health & Safety

• Adhere to all health and safety regulations and policies established by the school district, including proper sanitation and disinfection procedures.
• Monitor the health and wellness of students, promptly reporting any concerns to parents/guardians and administrators.
• Ensure that all classroom students and staff are familiar with established emergency procedures, such as lockdown drills or evacuations.

CREDENTIALS, SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

• Required - Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university
• Minimum one (1) year of professional experience working with youth between 3-5 years of age
• Group leadership skills, including an understanding of group dynamics
• Knowledge of principles related to the development of youth between 3-5 years of age

Required Certifications:

• Valid NYS Teaching Certificate in Early Childhood Education B-2nd OR Masters equivalents such as Literacy B-2nd or Curriculum Development, OR Currently enrolled in a certification program
• Mandated Reporter Certification
• CPR and First Aid Training

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Strong Computer Skills (Microsoft Office, Google Drive & Docs, Email)
• Must pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprinting, child abuse clearance, and sex offender registry check, as required by BGCCA

Work environment:

• Early childhood classroom environment with moderate noise levels from children's activities. Indoor school setting with standard classroom temperature control.

Travel required:

• Minimal travel is required, with occasional attendance at off-site professional development or district meetings.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing/walking for up to 8 hours per day
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Fine motor coordination for computer work
• Regular verbal communication with children, staff, and parents
• Visual acuity to monitor children's activities and safety

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting and hiring a diverse workforce. Persons from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community, are encouraged to apply.