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CO

Lead Teacher- NY

Children of America·Town of Smithtown, New York

$21 - $25/hr·Full Time·On Site·0-2 yrs·Posted 13 days ago
Practice for this role

About the role

The Lead Teacher is responsible for executing daily lesson plans and maintaining a safe, structured, and positive learning environment for children. They must also communicate effectively with parents and staff while documenting child progress using provided technology.

$500 Sign on Bonus

About Children of America (COA)

Join Children of America - a nationally accredited preschool with 65+ locations across 18 states.

As an Infant Lead Teacher, you will work alongside a talented team of educators in a supportive environment where you are encouraged to grow professionally and share your passion for early childhood education.

Our programs serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, including Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Before & After Care, and Summer Camp. Our culture encourages employees to bring their whole selves to work, because your unique perspectives and experiences make our team stronger.

Who You'll Interact With

This role interacts daily with children, parents, management, and teaching staff to support a collaborative and positive learning environment.

  • Minimum Requirements
  • CDA or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education
  • Minimum 1 Year of experience in a licensed childcare setting
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Must meet all state licensing requirements
  • Strong organizational and decision-making skills
  • Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
  • Flexible and adaptable in challenging situations
  • Commitment to professional growth
  • Day-to-Day Responsibilities
  • Responsible for carrying out daily lesson plans
  • Assist in creating a safe, structured, and positive learning environment
  • Communicate professionally with parents, children, and team members
  • Utilize technology to document and deliver child progress reports
  • Exhibit empathy toward children's emotions and parents' needs
  • Present age-appropriate expectations for children
  • Be creative, passionate, and engaged in your work
  • Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum

Our Shared Mission & Values • Accountability

  • Take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and uphold COA's mission and values
  • Collaboration: Align solutions that meet stakeholder needs
  • Growth
  • Mindset: Treat challenges as opportunities for learning and growth
  • Integrity: Make decisions ethically and consider their impact on all stakeholders
  • Consistency: Ensure continuity of care and clear expectations for children and families

Benefits

  • Internal career advancement opportunities
  • 50% employee childcare discount
  • Educational assistance and T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
  • Employee referral bonuses and recognition programs
  • Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident, disability
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Hourly Rate

$21- $25 per hour. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or other benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and state-specific pay transparency regulations.

The listed responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation range reflect the essential functions and expectations of the role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity.

Children of America is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a CDA or an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and possess at least one year of experience in a licensed childcare setting. Additionally, applicants are required to have current CPR and First Aid certifications.

  • associate degree
  • professional certificate
  • Communication
  • Adaptability
  • Empathy
  • CPR
  • Organizational skills
  • Decision-making
  • Relationship building
  • First aid
  • Lesson planning
  • Technology proficiency
  • Child development
  • Classroom management
  • Early childhood education

Posting details

Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
0-2 yrs
Salary
$21 - $25/hr
Location
Town of Smithtown, New York
Posted
Jul 29, 2026
Application
Employer website
CO

Hiring organization

Children of America

Children of America (COA): It’s A Special Recipe of People, Principles And Pride... Working at COA is more than just a job, it’s an environment that enables you to achieve your career goals while helping children and families realize their own. As industry leaders we offer an...

Salary listed on 93 jobs
IndustryEducation Administration Programs
TypePublic Company
Size1,001-5,000 employees
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Market context

New York classroom teacher demand remains steady

In New York, classroom teacher roles are typically shaped by steady school staffing needs and competition for educators who can demonstrate strong instruction and classroom leadership. This role is competitive because it calls for advanced chess knowledge, proven teaching experience, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities while supporting student success. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then tailor your application to show concrete teaching results and leadership examples.

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