Early Childhood Head Teacher

Early Childhood Head Teacher

• 514355
• New York, United States
• Staff
• Opening on: Jul 1 2026
• Closing on: Aug 21 2026

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Posting Summary:

The Rita Gold Center (RGC) at Teachers College, Columbia University is seeking a highly qualified Head Teacher to join our Center.

Job Summary/Basic Function:

The Head Teacher will be assigned to lead one of four early childhood classrooms and will be responsible for providing direct care to young children. The classroom age ranges from infancy (2-12 months), toddlerhood (12-24 months), early preschool (2-3 years) and pre-kindergarten (3-5 years old). The teacher must be comfortable and qualified to work with all age groups and will work collaboratively with a teaching team to provide a high-quality childcare program of direct service to young children and their families.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching:

• Develop and implement a developmentally appropriate, play-based, and equity-oriented educational program with an emergent curriculum for an assigned class of school children
• Record and document children's daily activities and engagement in the classroom and communicate progress to parents.
• Develop supportive and caring relationships with parents that fosters a home-school connection to facilitate children's adjustment and ongoing learning
• Maintain verbal and electronic communication with parents through daily documentation, or by initiating parent conferences/meetings; and encouraging parents to participate in classroom or Center-wide events
• Write annual assessment reports for parents that describe each child's uniqueness, developmental history, development of skills and strengths, and assessment of children's progress on an ongoing basis.
• Create a positive and engaging learning environment for students.
• Prioritize each student's academic and social-emotional development
• Perform administrative tasks and record-keeping, such as maintenance of daily attendance logs and other required records.

Professional Preparation:

• Supervise, meet with, train and utilize graduate students' skills and abilities in the classroom, as established with classroom teachers and directors.
• Provide ongoing feedback about their practice and how they can support the curriculum
• Mentor students around their particular assignments, as needed
• Model exemplary and high-quality practice and professionalism for grad students who are engaged in early childhood professional preparation
• Actively engage in personal professional development while simultaneously serving as a mentor for the colleagues and grad students at the Center.

Support:

• Support ongoing research through facilitating access to the classrooms and providing information in support of the Center's research aims
• Facilitate or participate in research to support one's own or others' research inquiries
• Form a positive, supportive team atmosphere with classroom teaching team
• Contribute to the Center's professional community through attendance and participation at staff meetings, classroom team meetings, and other Center staff development opportunities, including staff development week and staff development days
• Engage in reflection and action about equity initiatives at the Center
• Participate at Center-wide events such as Curriculum Night
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of materials and respond to parent inquiries
• Schedule weekly team meetings with teaching team and director to develop curriculum, discuss children's experiences and development, provide feedback for graduate students and examine family support

Other Duties as assigned

Founded in 1982,The Rita Gold Center at Teachers College, Columbia University provides care for infants, toddlers, preschool children, and their families who are affiliated with Columbia University, and prepares graduate students in the field of early childhood education.

The Center serves families with children from eight weeks to five years of age and offers a rich combination of care and education in ways that mirror the interests and developmental characteristics of young children. The overall approach utilizes inter-age placement in settings that are culturally responsive and inclusive.

We are committed to continually discovering, creating, and sustaining a teaching and learning environment that supports inquiry, diversity, and equity. These foundational principles are interwoven throughout the various dimensions of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in early childhood education, child development or related field
• One year of experience in an early childhood classroom.
• Must fulfill all health, background check, and training requirements of the New York City Department of Health, Bureau of Child Care prior to the first day, including but not limited to fingerprinting, NYS clearance, health form and immunizations, and mandated trainings
• Ability to engage children using an emergent, play-based curriculum, and develop activities and projects that support children's exploration of interests
• Ability to contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the Center
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask in a classroom setting
• Ability to initiate and maintain working relationships with all levels of staff
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• NYS Certification for early childhood
• At least 3-5 years experience as lead teacher with infants/toddlers and/or preschool aged children.

Salary Range:

$55,000-$65,000

The final salary offered will be determined based on the selected candidate''s education, certifications, relevant experience, skills, and overall qualifications, and will be commensurate with the responsibilities of the position.

Work Modality:

Onsite