Head Teacher

Valley Daycare is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and creative Head Teacher to join our growing early childhood education team. This role is central to our mission of providing a healthy, respectful, and developmentally supportive environment for young children. As a Head Teacher, you will lead your classroom with intention, guide assistant teachers, and build strong, trusting relationships with families.

The Head Teacher plays a key leadership role in the classroom and within the center. You will design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, ensure a safe and nurturing environment, and model the communication and professionalism we value. Success in this role means creating a classroom community where children feel secure, families feel welcomed and informed, and staff work together with reliability and respect. This position helps drive Valley Daycare’s standards for quality care, safety, and positive family partnerships.

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early childhood best practices.
• Create a warm, responsive, and engaging classroom environment that promotes social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom, ensuring compliance with all NYS OCFS regulations and center policies.
• Observe, document, and assess children’s progress; communicate regularly with families to support each child’s growth.
• Model positive communication, professionalism, and responsible decision-making for classroom staff.
• Mentor assistant teachers and classroom aides, ensuring consistent implementation of daily routines and program goals.
• Collaborate with the administrative team on child transitions, classroom needs, and ongoing program development.
• Participate in required trainings, staff meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain accurate daily records, incident reports, attendance logs, and other required documentation.

• Minimum of an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education OR actively working towards an A.A.S in Child Development, or a related field (preferred) OR NYS childcare credential or CDA Certificate
• Prior experience working with children; leadership or supervisory experience is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and build strong, trusting relationships with families.
• Reliable, professional, and committed to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for children.