Teaching Head of School (Preschool)

New York Kids Club

$110K — $120K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
  • NYS Early Childhood Certification (Birth-Grade 2 or Grades 1-6)
  • 3-5+ years of lead teaching experience in preschool or early elementary settings
  • 2+ years of leadership, mentoring, or school operations experience preferred

Responsibilities

  • Serve as an active lead teacher in a preschool classroom
  • Lead the day-to-day operations of a small preschool community
  • Support staffing coordination, scheduling, and classroom coverage
  • Ensure a safe and organized school environment
  • Coach and support teachers through collaboration and feedback
  • Build meaningful relationships with families and support parent engagement
  • Partner on compliance and school readiness initiatives

Benefits

  • 15 PTO days to start and 7 sick days
  • Paid company holidays and full week off during winter break
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program up to $5,000 annually
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • 401(k) Plan with Company Contribution
  • Commuter programs and discounted fitness memberships
Full Job Description
Job Title: Teaching Head of School

Location: Manhattan

Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000 /year

Reports to: Director of Operations

Schedule: Full-time, 12-month position. School operating hours are typically 8:00 AM-6:00 PM. Flexible leadership scheduling with a consistent core classroom teaching schedule.

Lead a small school community. Stay connected to the classroom. Help shape the future of early childhood education in NYC.

We are currently seeking a Teaching Head of School to lead one of our NYC micro preschool locations serving 1-2 classrooms.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced early childhood educator who wants to remain closely connected to teaching while also stepping into school leadership and operations.

About the Role

The Teaching Head of School is a hybrid leadership role that combines:
  • active classroom teaching
  • instructional leadership
  • family partnership
  • day-to-day school operations

In this role, you will serve as both a lead educator within the classroom and the primary leader of a small school community.

Unlike traditional school leadership roles that move leaders fully away from teaching, this position is intentionally designed for leaders who still love being in the classroom and want to help shape school culture, educational quality, and family experience in a more hands-on and connected way.

With the support of school administration and a small team, you'll help oversee:
  • school operations and daily flow
  • staffing coordination and classroom coverage
  • educational quality and teacher support
  • family communication and community experience
  • compliance and school readiness
  • enrollment support and retention efforts

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in close-knit environments, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and is energized by both teaching and leadership.

What You'll Do

Classroom Leadership
  • Serve as an active lead teacher within a preschool classroom serving 2s, 3s, or 4s
  • Deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction
  • Create a joyful, safe, and well-managed classroom environment
  • Build strong relationships with children and families
  • Model strong teaching practices and professionalism

School Leadership & Operations
  • Lead the day-to-day operations of a small preschool community
  • Support staffing coordination, scheduling, and classroom coverage
  • Ensure the school environment is organized, welcoming, safe, and operationally strong
  • Partner with operational leadership on licensing, compliance, and school readiness
  • Help support enrollment efforts, tours, and family retention
  • Serve as a visible and trusted leader within the school community

Educational Quality & Team Support
  • Support strong curriculum implementation and classroom consistency
  • Coach and support teachers through collaboration, modeling, and feedback
  • Help onboard and mentor new teaching staff
  • Foster a positive, supportive, and accountable team culture

Family & Community Experience
  • Build meaningful relationships with families
  • Help create a warm, connected, and highly communicative school culture
  • Support family events, communication, and overall parent experience
  • Represent NYPKC positively within the local community


Requirements

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
  • NYS Early Childhood Certification (Birth-Grade 2 or Grades 1-6)
  • 3-5+ years of lead teaching experience in preschool or early elementary settings
  • 2+ years of leadership, mentoring, or school operations experience preferred

You Might Be a Great Fit If You...
  • Love teaching but are also excited by leadership
  • Thrive in small, relationship-driven environments
  • Are highly organized and operationally minded
  • Enjoy building strong family and team relationships
  • Are flexible, hands-on, and solutions-oriented
  • Believe exceptional school culture starts with strong classroom experiences
  • Want to help shape a more modern and education-forward preschool model
  • Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.

What Success Looks Like
  • Children thrive in joyful, engaging, and developmentally strong classrooms
  • Families feel connected, supported, and confident in the school experience
  • The school operates smoothly, safely, and with strong consistency
  • Staff feel supported, coached, and connected to a positive team culture
  • Enrollment and family retention remain strong
  • Classrooms consistently reflect NYPKC educational standards and expectations
  • The school develops a reputation as a trusted, high-quality micro preschool community within NYC

Why You'll Love Working Here
  • Time to Recharge: Enjoy 15 PTO days to start, 7 sick days, paid company holidays, and a full week off during winter break, because supporting educators starts with supporting balance.
  • Career Investment: Tuition Reimbursement Program up to $5,000 annually to help you reach your next educational goal.
  • Comprehensive Care: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, plus a 401(k) Plan with Company Contribution
  • The Extras: Commuter programs, discounted fitness memberships, and more!

Physical Demands:

The role involves standing, walking, sitting, constant movement, and occasional climbing. The ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds is required. Specific sensory abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjustment of focus.

Salary Description

$110,000 - $120,000 /year

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