The UPK Pre-K Teacher at Little Minds Universe is responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, and engaging classroom for children enrolled in our Universal Pre-K program. The teacher will implement developmentally appropriate curriculum, support each child’s academic and social-emotional growth, maintain accurate classroom records, and build strong partnerships with families and school staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement the approved curriculum and prepare age-appropriate lesson plans and classroom activities.

• Adapt learning experiences to meet the developmental levels, interests, and individual needs of each child, including children with developmental delays or disabilities.

• Create a balanced daily schedule that includes teacher-led, child-led, small-group, large-group, indoor, outdoor, meal, rest, and physical activities.

• Maintain a clean, organized, colorful, and print-rich classroom environment.

• Provide direct supervision of children at all times and maintain required student-to-teacher ratios.

• Promote positive behavior, self-confidence, independence, empathy, and social responsibility through age-appropriate guidance.

• Observe and assess each child’s development and maintain portfolios, milestone records, artwork, projects, writing samples, and photographs.

• Conduct daily health checks and maintain accurate attendance, movement sheets, contact lists, and classroom records.

• Provide regular written and verbal updates to parents regarding their child’s progress, development, and classroom experience.

• Establish positive and professional relationships with children, families, staff, and third-party consultants.

• Participate in staff meetings, professional development training, parent-teacher conferences, family events, and graduation activities.

• Follow all Little Minds Universe policies and New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations.

Qualifications:

• Must hold a valid New York State Teacher Certification.

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• One to five years of childcare or early childhood education experience preferred.

• Universal Pre-K experience is preferred.

• Child Development Associate certification is preferred.

• Must understand child development, classroom management, positive behavior guidance, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.

• Must possess a positive attitude and work effectively as part of a team.

• Must be able to communicate clearly with children, parents, staff, and management.

• Must be able to read, write, and maintain required classroom and administrative records in English.

• Must be able to lift or move up to 35 pounds and perform the physical duties required in an early childhood classroom.

Compliance Requirements:

• Must pass all background checks required by New York State and company regulations.

• Must maintain current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications or be willing to obtain them upon hire.

• Must complete all required OCFS-approved training hours.

• Must understand and follow mandated reporter responsibilities.

• Must maintain direct sight-and-sound supervision of children at all times.

• Must comply with all health, safety, confidentiality, classroom-ratio, and recordkeeping requirements.

Role Overview:

The Lead Teacher at Little Minds Universe is responsible for implementing the curriculum, managing the classroom, and promoting the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of the children. The Lead Teacher will work closely with the school staff to create a positive learning environment and keep parents informed about their child's progress.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement our curriculum and prepare age-appropriate lesson plans weekly.

• Tailor lesson plans to the developmental stages and learning needs of each child.

• Foster a safe and healthy learning environment, adhering to all company safety protocols.

• Conduct classroom observations and assessments to reflect the age-appropriate interests of children.

• Provide daily written and oral feedback to parents regarding the social and intellectual development of their child.

• Create and maintain an intellectually stimulating classroom environment.

• Maintain accurate records and manage classroom attendance.

• Participate in training sessions and meetings to support professional development.

Qualifications:

• Must meet state licensing requirements for education.

• Must be teacher-qualified and meet state standards for education and experience.

• Preferred: At least 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare center.

• A degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.

Compliance Requirements:

• Must pass background checks as per New York State guidelines.

• Must have CPR and First Aid certifications (or be willing to obtain upon hire).

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Role Overview:

The Assistant Teacher at Little Minds Universe is responsible for assisting the Lead Teacher with curriculum implementation, classroom management, and providing support to children in a safe, nurturing environment. The Assistant Teacher will also be expected to contribute to the social, intellectual, and physical growth of the children under their care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Lead Teacher with the implementation of the curriculum, including preparing lesson plans.

• Provide support to children during classroom activities and physical play.

• Observe and assess each child's development and assist in tailoring lesson plans to individual needs.

• Maintain a safe and engaging environment for the children, adhering to all safety guidelines.

• Assist in providing feedback to parents about their child's development.

• Help with classroom management, including attendance and tidying.

Qualifications:

• Must meet state licensing requirements for education.

• Must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. CDA preferred.

• Experience in a licensed childcare center is preferred.

Compliance Requirements:

• Must pass background checks as per New York State guidelines.

• Must have CPR and First Aid certifications (or be willing to obtain upon hire).

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Role Overview:

The Transportation Team at Little Minds Universe is responsible for safely transporting children to and from the childcare center. The team will ensure the children's safety during transit and maintain a secure and efficient transportation process in accordance with company and state guidelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely transport children to and from the center in a timely manner.

• Ensure all children are accounted for before, during, and after transportation.

• Adhere to all safety guidelines, including vehicle inspections and child safety regulations.

• Maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of the vehicle.

• Communicate any transportation-related issues or concerns to the school director.

Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have a clean driving record.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. as required.

Compliance Requirements:

• CDL Liscence Required

• Must pass background checks as per New York State guidelines.

• Must have CPR and First Aid certifications (or be willing to obtain upon hire).

• Must pass a vehicle safety inspection and meet any additional state requirements for transporting children.