Little Eagles Nest is a New York State–licensed group family daycare and early childhood education program with locations in Ardsley and Dobbs Ferry, Westchester County.
We offer a warm, nurturing, home-like environment where young children learn through meaningful relationships, play, creativity, and hands-on exploration.
Our educational approach blends Reggio Emilia-inspired learning, Montessori principles, nature-based education, and The Creative Curriculum. We believe children are capable, curious learners who thrive through independence, discovery, and thoughtful guidance.
Our small, mixed-age classrooms allow educators to develop genuine relationships with children and provide individualized, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
We are equally committed to supporting our teachers. We value experienced, passionate early childhood professionals and encourage collaboration, creativity, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to our educational program.
At Little Eagles Nest, exceptional early childhood education begins with educators who feel respected, supported, and inspired.
Help Little Minds Grow Through Wonder, Nature & Play!
Little Eagles Nest is looking for a warm, confident, and experienced Lead Early Childhood Teacher to join our Dobbs Ferry team.
We are a small, relationship-centered early childhood program serving toddlers and preschoolers in a nurturing, home-like environment.
Our educational approach combines Reggio Emilia-inspired practices, Montessori principles, nature-based exploration, and The Creative Curriculum.
We are looking for an educator who loves working with young children and brings the experience, creativity, and confidence to lead a mixed-age classroom.
The ideal candidate understands that meaningful learning happens through play, hands-on experiences, exploration, and positive relationships. They can create engaging learning opportunities while maintaining consistent classroom routines and a safe, welcoming environment.
You will lead the daily classroom program, collaborate with supporting teachers, and work alongside our educational leadership team to provide high-quality early childhood experiences.
Why Join Little Eagles Nest?
- Small, welcoming classrooms and meaningful relationships with children.
- A supportive, collaborative team environment.
- Opportunities to bring your creativity and teaching ideas into the classroom.
- An educational philosophy centered on curiosity, nature, exploration, and child development.
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Competitive compensation and benefits, subject to eligibility.
We believe great teachers deserve an environment where their experience is valued, their ideas are welcomed, and their work makes a meaningful difference.
As our Lead Teacher, you will:
- Lead and organize daily classroom routines, transitions, learning activities, and child-centered experiences.
- Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Encourage curiosity, independence, creativity, and exploration through play-based and hands-on learning.
- Guide and collaborate with classroom teachers to maintain a positive, organized learning environment.
- Model positive behavior guidance and responsive, respectful interactions with children.
- Support children's social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
- Observe children's interests and developmental progress to inform curriculum planning.
- Build trusting relationships with families and communicate professionally about children's experiences.
- Maintain excellent supervision, cleanliness, health, and safety practices in accordance with NYS OCFS requirements.
- Support classroom documentation, daily records, and communication using Brightwheel.
- Collaborate with program leadership on curriculum implementation and continuous classroom improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of experience independently leading a toddler, preschool, or mixed-age classroom in a licensed early childhood education or childcare setting.
- Demonstrated ability to manage classroom routines, transitions, activities, and positive behavior guidance.
- Experience supporting the development and learning needs of young children.
- Ability to lead, collaborate with, and provide guidance to classroom assistants.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, and a nurturing approach to teaching.
- Ability to meet all applicable NYS OCFS childcare employment requirements, including background clearances, health documentation, and required training.
Preferred Qualifications
- CDA credential, Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Experience working with both toddlers and preschoolers.
- Familiarity with The Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia-inspired learning, Montessori principles, or nature-based education.
- Experience implementing developmentally appropriate lesson plans and observing children's progress.
- Experience using Brightwheel or similar childcare management software.
We value demonstrated teaching ability, genuine experience, and strong classroom leadership. Familiarity with our specific curriculum approaches is helpful, but we welcome experienced educators who are excited to learn and grow with us.
- Minimum Education Level: Associate's Degree
- Preferred Education Level: Master's Degree
Thank you for your interest in joining Little Eagles Nest!
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced early childhood educator who is confident leading a classroom and passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences for young children.
To apply, please submit your résumé along with a brief introduction addressing:
- Your years of experience independently leading a classroom in a licensed early childhood program, including the age groups you have taught.
- Your educational background and early childhood credentials.
- Your availability and earliest possible start date.
- A short description of your teaching philosophy and classroom leadership approach.
Important: A minimum of 2 years of independent classroom leadership experience in a licensed early childhood education or childcare setting is required. Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
Qualified candidates will be contacted for a brief phone screening, followed by an in-person interview.
We look forward to learning more about you!
The Little Eagles Nest Team
Location: Little Eagles Nest – Dobbs Ferry, NY
Program Type: NYS OCFS-licensed group family daycare and early childhood education program.
Age Groups: Approximately 18 months–5 years.
Employment: Full-time, year-round position.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–3:30 PM.
Compensation: $25–$30/hour, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits: Eligible employees may receive paid time off, health reimbursement benefits, retirement benefits, childcare discounts, and professional development support. Specific benefits and eligibility will be discussed during the hiring process.
Our Philosophy: Reggio Emilia-inspired, Montessori-influenced, nature-based, play-centered, and developmentally appropriate early childhood education.
We are looking for someone who wants to become a valued member of a small, dedicated team and contribute positively to a high-quality early childhood program.
List of job referees (0)
No referrals found for this job.