Discovery Kids Learning Center is a year-round day care and educational program that offers an individualized learning experience for infants & children, ages 6 weeks to 12 years. What matters to us at Discovery Kids is simple: your child. We provide strong social and educational foundations that prepare your child for success in school and beyond.

Position: Lead Preschool Teacher

Pay: $18 - 20/hour

Location: Amherst, NY

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Why Work With Us?

Our center offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. You’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in children’s lives while working alongside a team that prioritizes respect, teamwork, and positivity.

• PTO & paid sick time
• Paid holidays
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Health, dental, & vision insurance
• 401k with match
• Referral program
• Paid training
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program
• No nights or weekends

Lead Teacher – Key Responsibilities

As a Lead Teacher, you will create a warm, inclusive, and engaging classroom where young children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. In this role, you will lead daily classroom experiences, support each child’s individual development, and partner with families and colleagues to create a positive and enriching early childhood environment.

Your responsibilities include:

• Nurture children’s growth: Support the emotional, social, physical, language, and cognitive development of each child. Lead an inclusive classroom where children of all abilities learn together, providing supports so every child can succeed.
• Bring learning to life: Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate activities using the Discovery Kids lesson plan format and Creative Curriculum. Submit lesson plans to the Director at least two weeks in advance.
• Guide positive behavior and learning: Use effective teaching and behavior guidance strategies aligned with Discovery Kids policies, the Behavior Management Plan, and NYS OCFS regulations.
• Observe and celebrate progress: Maintain ongoing child assessments and portfolios that include observations, photos, and work samples to document children’s growth.
• Create an inspiring classroom: Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and visually inviting learning environment. Supervise children and Assistant Teachers in accordance with NYS OCFS regulations and center policies.
• Build strong family partnerships: Develop positive relationships with families through daily communication, newsletters, bulletin boards, and parent-teacher conferences. All written family communications are reviewed by the Director before distribution.
• Be a collaborative team leader: Foster open communication with colleagues, support and mentor classroom staff and volunteers, assist other classrooms when needed, and maintain clear documentation while keeping leadership informed of classroom needs or concerns.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

We welcome candidates who are passionate about early childhood education and meet one of the following qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with at least one year of experience working with preschool-aged children
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with at least two years of experience working with children, including one year with preschool-aged children
• A minimum of 9 college credits in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field and currently pursuing a credential or degree in infant, toddler, or preschool education

We especially value candidates who:

• Have a genuine passion for working with young children
• Enjoy collaborating as part of a supportive teaching team
• Are committed to creating a nurturing and engaging learning environment

If you're passionate about early childhood education and love creating joyful learning experiences for young children, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.