The Lead Infant Teacher is responsible for managing daily routines, providing responsive care, and implementing developmentally appropriate learning activities for infants. They also collaborate with assistant teachers and maintain clear communication with families regarding developmental progress.
Free uniforms Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Training & development Vision insurance 401(k) matching Competitive salary Dental insurance Employee discounts Flexible schedule Lead Infant Teacher – Early Childhood Education Location: The Learning Experience – Upper West Side, New York, NY Pay: $20–$24 per hour (based on experience and credentials) Schedule: Full-Time, Monday–Friday Hiring: Immediate Opening
Lead Infant Teacher – Nurture, Teach & Inspire
The Learning Experience – Upper West Side is seeking a compassionate and experienced Lead Infant Teacher to join our early childhood education team. We are looking for an educator who understands that an infant classroom is about much more than caregiving—it's about creating secure relationships and meaningful early learning experiences during one of the most important stages of development.
As our Lead Infant Teacher, you'll take ownership of the classroom, partner closely with families, and help create a warm, responsive environment where our youngest learners feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore.
What You'll Do: Lead the daily routines and educational experiences within the Infant classroom
Provide responsive care including feeding, diapering, naps, and individualized routines
Implement developmentally appropriate sensory and early learning activities
Support infants' language, cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development
Create a safe, nurturing, clean, and engaging classroom environment
Guide and collaborate with Assistant Teachers to maintain classroom consistency
Observe developmental milestones and communicate regularly with families
Maintain required classroom documentation and records
Follow all applicable New York City childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements
Qualifications: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) required
Previous professional experience working with infants in a childcare, daycare, or early childhood education setting preferred
Lead Teacher or classroom leadership experience strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of infant development and developmentally appropriate practices
Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills
Must meet all applicable New York City childcare licensing requirements
What We Offer: Competitive pay of $20–$24 per hour
Full-time Monday–Friday schedule
Paid time off and recognized holidays
Medical, dental, and vision benefit options
Professional development and career advancement opportunities
Employee childcare discount
Supportive leadership and collaborative teaching environment
We're hiring now! Join The Learning Experience – Upper West Side and lead a classroom where our youngest learners receive the nurturing care, meaningful interactions, and early educational experiences they need to thrive.
Candidates must hold an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education and meet all New York City childcare licensing requirements. Previous professional experience working with infants in a childcare setting is preferred.
Market context
In New York, lead infant teacher openings are often tied to licensed child care programs that need staff who can manage classrooms, plan age-appropriate lessons, and meet state education and physical activity requirements. These roles are competitive because employers look for both leadership experience and the ability to support infants in active indoor and outdoor settings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your education credentials and classroom leadership experience before applying.