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Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area

UPK Lead Teacher (Watervliet)

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area, Watervliet, New York, United States

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Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) Lead Teacher

Work Location: Watervliet Elementary School

Reports to: UPK Director

Salary: Starting from $20 per hour

Hours & Schedule: Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week

Classification: Full-Time Non-Exempt

Paid school holidays and breaks

Sick leave

401(k) with match

Health and dental insurance

Life insurance

Long-term disability

New York Paid Family Leave benefits

Retirement benefits

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Eligibility for additional third-party discounts

Note: This is a 10‑month position (August 2025 - June 2026) with BGCCA in collaboration with the Watervliet City School District (WCSD).

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 Pre‑Kindergarten Lead Teacher will be to plan, develop, and instruct students aged 3‑4 years according to the approved WCSD 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 will be 18 students, one teacher, and one teacher assistant.

Key Job Responsibilities 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 WCSD and the BGCA 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 each student’s unique needs.

Collaborate with the Teaching Assistant to effectively deliver the lesson plan and ensure all required materials are prepared and available.

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.

Requirements Credentials, Skills & Knowledge 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 & Skills

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 delegate when appropriate.

Ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment.

Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Drive & Docs, and 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 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.

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