Teaching Head of School (Preschool)

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.

At New York Preschool & Kids Club, we believe some of the strongest school leaders are educators first, leaders who deeply understand classroom quality, child development, and family experience because they actively live it every day.

As we continue evolving into a more education-forward organization, we are rethinking what leadership can look like in small, high-quality preschool environments. Our micro-school model is intentionally designed to create warm, connected, community-centered schools where exceptional educators can thrive both as teachers and leaders.

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 NYPKC

New York Preschool & Kids Club is an early childhood education and enrichment platform serving NYC families through progressive preschool education, enrichment programming, extended day, and summer camp experiences. With schools across New York City, NYPKC is building a best-in-class educational experience centered around:

• exceptional teaching
• strong school communities
• meaningful family partnerships
• child-centered learning experiences

We are investing deeply in instructional quality, coaching, leadership development, and building schools where both children and educators can thrive.

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.

Inclusivity and Diversity:

NY Preschool & Kids Club is committed to an inclusive and diverse community. We celebrate differences, leading with kindness and respect. We are an equal opportunity employer, prohibiting discrimination based on various factors.

Accommodations:

The NY Preschool & Kids Club complies with ADA requirements. If you need accommodation in completing the application, please contact [email protected].