Preschool Teacher

Preschool Division Teaching Staff: Preschool & Pre-K Teacher · Infant/Toddler Teacher
Laurel Hill School – East Setauket, NY
Full-Time, On-Campus | 2026–2027 Academic Year

About Laurel Hill School

Laurel Hill School is a leading independent school on Long Island, serving students from infancy through Grade 8. Our ten-acre campus provides a dynamic learning environment that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and character. We pride ourselves on a warm, inclusive community where teachers are deeply valued for their expertise, professionalism, and care.

Our Preschool serves children from six months through Pre-K 4 in a nurturing, play-based environment that prioritizes safety, attachment, and early developmental milestones. The division operates under the direction of the Preschool Director and is licensed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

Reporting Line: Preschool Director

Schedule & Hours

• Full-time, on-campus positions starting September 2026
• Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Conditions of Employment

• Submission of a copy of relevant certifications and official transcripts required prior to first day.
• Submission of initial lesson and activity plans required prior to first day, as directed by administration.
• Background check and fingerprinting required prior to hire, in accordance with NYS requirements.
• Completion of Mandated Reporter training required before beginning work with children.
• All LHS employees are mandated reporters under New York State law. This role requires full compliance with the school's child safety and safeguarding policies.
• Participation in school-wide events, staff meetings, and professional development as directed.

Position 1: Preschool & Pre-K Teacher

Salary: $46,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, paid bi-weekly.

Position Overview

The Preschool Teacher designs and delivers an engaging, play-based, and developmentally appropriate program for children ages 3 through 5. The ideal candidate is a warm and skilled early childhood educator who builds foundational academic, social, and emotional skills while nurturing each child's natural curiosity and love of learning. This teacher plays a central role in preparing students for the transition to Kindergarten and the broader LHS community.

Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and deliver a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program aligned with early childhood best practices and LHS curriculum standards.
• Design play-based, inquiry-driven learning experiences that support language, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development.
• Create a warm, organized, and stimulating classroom environment that supports independence and a love of learning.
• Submit written lesson and activity plans as required by administration.

Assessment & Communication

• Observe and document each child's developmental progress, using observations to inform planning and identify areas of support.
• Communicate proactively with families regarding progress, daily experiences, and any concerns.
• Document all parent communications and submit to administration as required.

Collaboration & School Life

• Work collaboratively with co-teachers, specialists, and the Preschool Director to support the whole child.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences, Back-to-School Night, school performances, staff meetings, and professional development.
• Contribute to a warm, inclusive, and high-achieving Preschool Division consistent with the mission and values of Laurel Hill School.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required; Bachelor's preferred.
• NYS teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) preferred.
• Prior teaching experience in a preschool or Pre-K setting strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of child development, play-based learning, and Kindergarten readiness.
• Enthusiasm for working with children ages 3–5 and their families.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and continual growth.

Position 2: Infant/Toddler Teacher

Salary: $46,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, paid bi-weekly.

Position Overview

The Infant/Toddler Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally responsive environment for children from six months through approximately 36 months. This is a relationship-centered role requiring exceptional attentiveness, warmth, and a deep understanding of early infant and toddler development. The Infant/Toddler Teacher works closely with families to ensure continuity of care and supports each child's physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth during the most critical developmental window.

Responsibilities

Care & Safety

• Maintain constant, attentive supervision of all infants and toddlers in the room at all times.
• Follow all OCFS health, safety, and supervision requirements without exception.
• Implement safe sleep practices, feeding routines, and diapering procedures in full compliance with OCFS regulations and LHS policy.
• Maintain accurate daily logs of each child's feeding, sleep, diapering, and general well-being.

Curriculum & Development

• Plan and implement age-appropriate sensory, play-based, and exploratory activities that support developmental milestones.
• Observe and document each child's development; communicate progress and concerns to the Preschool Director and families.
• Create a warm, predictable, and stimulating classroom environment that supports secure attachment and healthy development.

Family Communication

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with families and serve as a consistent point of contact for daily updates.
• Communicate proactively with families regarding developmental progress, daily observations, and any concerns.

Team & Program Participation

• Collaborate with co-teachers and the Preschool Director to maintain a cohesive, high-quality infant/toddler program.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school-wide events as directed.
• Support daily setup, cleanup, and maintenance of the classroom and materials.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field required; Bachelor's preferred.
• NYS teaching certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2) preferred.
• Prior experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of OCFS regulations governing infant/toddler care required.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required or willingness to obtain prior to first day.
• Exceptional nurturing instincts, patience, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and continual growth.

Additional Conditions of Employment — Infant/Toddler Room

• Compliance with all OCFS 6000-series staff file requirements prior to first day, including: Staff Member Information (6001), Qualifications (6002), Reference Form (6003), Medical Statement (6004), Criminal Reporter Attestation, NYS Fingerprinting (4930), Statewide Register Database Check (3370), and Staff Exclusion List Check (6022).
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required prior to first day.
• Completion of all OCFS-required Mandated Reporter and child safety training prior to beginning work with children.

What We Offer — Both Positions

• Salary: $46,000–$50,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, paid bi-weekly.
• Access to LHS's full benefits package, including health coverage and 100% tuition remission for enrolled children of employees.
• A nurturing, mission-driven early childhood community with experienced leadership and a genuine commitment to staff well-being and professional growth.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit an application via the link below. Please include a resume and a brief cover letter describing your early childhood experience and why you want to join the Laurel Hill School community.

https://airtable.com/appn9OkUiuu4RDZEE/pagXYdyXFwdmKdYt9/form

Only applications submitted here will be considered.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $4,600.00 - $5,000.00 per month

Benefits:

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

Application Question(s):

• Have you applied via the application form in the job description? Only these applications will be considered

Work Location: In person

Salary : $46,000 - $50,000