Pre-K Teacher Jobs in New York
Pre-K Teacher jobs in New York represent one of the most active early childhood education markets in the country, with demand concentrated in public school systems, Head Start programs, and community-based childcare centers at every level from classroom assistant through lead teacher and site director. New York City, Buffalo, and Yonkers account for the largest share of openings, anchored by employers such as the New York City Department of Education, the Children's Aid Society, and the YMCA of Greater New York. The most in-demand specialties are bilingual early childhood instruction, special education integration, and Universal Pre-K classroom leadership. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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At Magical Beginnings, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and engaging start to their educational journey. With care, we care — and that belief is at the heart of everything we do. As a trusted leader in early childhood education across Massachusetts, our award-winning childcare and preschool centers create joyful learning environments where children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
We’re currently seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Pre-K Teacher to join our Harmon center. This is an exciting opportunity for an early childhood education professional who enjoys creating engaging pre-k classroom experiences, building strong family partnerships, and helping young learners develop confidence, independence, and school readiness skills.
As a Lead Pre-K Teacher, you’ll support a pre-k classroom environment that supports children’s learning, development, and daily care while ensuring compliance with Massachusetts EEC regulations and center quality standards.
This is a full time day shift position, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Role Requirements:
- Must meet New York State OCFS qualifications for a Preschool Lead Teacher position in a licensed childcare center
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- CDA, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
- Previous experience working in a preschool, daycare, childcare, or early childhood education setting required
- Prior experience leading a preschool or pre-k classroom and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum preferred
- Knowledge of child development, classroom management, and age-appropriate learning practices
- Ability to maintain compliance with New York State childcare licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and teacher-to-child ratios
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
- Ability to actively engage with children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities
- Must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required New York State background clearances and regulatory requirements, including fingerprinting, criminal history review, and Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance. Candidates must also meet all applicable health and immunization requirements in accordance with state regulations.
As a Lead Pre-K Teacher, you will be responsible for:
- Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate pre-k curriculum and classroom activities aligned with early childhood education best practices
- Creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing pre-k classroom environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
- Leading daily classroom routines including circle time, learning centers, meals, outdoor play, rest time, and transitions throughout the school day
- Supervising and engaging pre-k-aged children while maintaining active classroom management and safe teacher-to-child ratios
- Conducting classroom observations and supporting children’s developmental growth and school readiness skills
- Building positive relationships and open communication with families regarding classroom activities, milestones, and student progress
- Collaborating with Assistant Teachers, support staff, and center leadership to maintain a strong team-oriented childcare environment
- Maintaining classroom cleanliness, organization, and sanitization in accordance with Massachusetts EEC licensing regulations and health and safety standards
- Preparing lesson plans, classroom materials, and learning environments that encourage creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning
- Ensuring compliance with all childcare licensing requirements, company policies, and early education quality standards
- Supporting a positive daycare and pre-k culture that reflects professionalism, teamwork, and a passion for early childhood education
What Magical Beginnings offers you:
- Paid sick time
- 13 paid holidays*
- Paid snow days and vacation time*
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance*
- Long-term disability
- Company-paid life insurance with additional voluntary coverage
- Parental leave
- Child care discount ($25/day)
- Weekly pay and direct deposit
- Referral and enrollment bonuses
- Classroom tablets
- A budget for classroom supplies
- Paid classroom planning time
- Mentor program
- Teacher appreciation events
- Team building activities
- School community outreach projects
- Available to full-time employees only
If you’re a dedicated early childhood educator who is passionate about pre-k learning, childcare excellence, and creating meaningful experiences for young children, we’d love to hear from you.
Magical Beginnings offers a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families every day.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
At Magical Beginnings, we believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and engaging start to their educational journey. With care, we care — and that belief is at the heart of everything we do. As a trusted leader in early childhood education across Massachusetts, our award-winning childcare and preschool centers create joyful learning environments where children thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
We’re currently seeking an experienced and passionate Lead Pre-K Teacher to join our Harmon center. This is an exciting opportunity for an early childhood education professional who enjoys creating engaging pre-k classroom experiences, building strong family partnerships, and helping young learners develop confidence, independence, and school readiness skills.
As a Lead Pre-K Teacher, you’ll support a pre-k classroom environment that supports children’s learning, development, and daily care while ensuring compliance with Massachusetts EEC regulations and center quality standards.
This is a full time day shift position, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Role Requirements:
- Must meet New York State OCFS qualifications for a Preschool Lead Teacher position in a licensed childcare center
- High School Diploma or equivalent required
- CDA, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred
- Previous experience working in a preschool, daycare, childcare, or early childhood education setting required
- Prior experience leading a preschool or pre-k classroom and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum preferred
- Knowledge of child development, classroom management, and age-appropriate learning practices
- Ability to maintain compliance with New York State childcare licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and teacher-to-child ratios
- Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
- Ability to actively engage with children throughout the day, including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting, and participating in indoor and outdoor activities
- Must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required New York State background clearances and regulatory requirements, including fingerprinting, criminal history review, and Statewide Central Register (SCR) clearance. Candidates must also meet all applicable health and immunization requirements in accordance with state regulations.
As a Lead Pre-K Teacher, you will be responsible for:
- Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate pre-k curriculum and classroom activities aligned with early childhood education best practices
- Creating a safe, engaging, and nurturing pre-k classroom environment that promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
- Leading daily classroom routines including circle time, learning centers, meals, outdoor play, rest time, and transitions throughout the school day
- Supervising and engaging pre-k-aged children while maintaining active classroom management and safe teacher-to-child ratios
- Conducting classroom observations and supporting children’s developmental growth and school readiness skills
- Building positive relationships and open communication with families regarding classroom activities, milestones, and student progress
- Collaborating with Assistant Teachers, support staff, and center leadership to maintain a strong team-oriented childcare environment
- Maintaining classroom cleanliness, organization, and sanitization in accordance with Massachusetts EEC licensing regulations and health and safety standards
- Preparing lesson plans, classroom materials, and learning environments that encourage creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning
- Ensuring compliance with all childcare licensing requirements, company policies, and early education quality standards
- Supporting a positive daycare and pre-k culture that reflects professionalism, teamwork, and a passion for early childhood education
What Magical Beginnings offers you:
- Paid sick time
- 13 paid holidays*
- Paid snow days and vacation time*
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance*
- Long-term disability
- Company-paid life insurance with additional voluntary coverage
- Parental leave
- Child care discount ($25/day)
- Weekly pay and direct deposit
- Referral and enrollment bonuses
- Classroom tablets
- A budget for classroom supplies
- Paid classroom planning time
- Mentor program
- Teacher appreciation events
- Team building activities
- School community outreach projects
- Available to full-time employees only
If you’re a dedicated early childhood educator who is passionate about pre-k learning, childcare excellence, and creating meaningful experiences for young children, we’d love to hear from you.
Magical Beginnings offers a supportive team environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families every day.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 33 Pre-K Teacher Jobs in New York
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Find Pre-K Teacher JobsPre-K Teacher Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Pre-K Teacher Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in Pre-K teacher jobs across New York.
- New York State initial or professional certification in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a closely related field
- Experience working directly with children aged three to five in a structured classroom
- Familiarity with New York State Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core standards
- Ability to maintain mandatory child abuse reporting and DASA compliance training
- Strong classroom management skills and ability to support diverse learners
Pre-K Teacher Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a pre-k teacher in New York?
You need a New York State teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education covering Birth through Grade 2, issued by the New York State Education Department. Most candidates earn a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, complete a student teaching placement in New York, and pass the required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, which include the Educating All Students test and the appropriate content specialty exam. New York City public school positions additionally require registration with the NYC Department of Education.
How much do Pre-K teachers make in New York?
Pre-K teachers in New York earn a median of about $46,520 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $36,050 for the lowest 10% to over $75,660 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire pre-k teachers in New York?
Employers hiring pre-k teachers in New York right now include Tutor Time, Uncommon Schools, and First Student, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. New York's Universal Pre-K expansion has significantly broadened the range of hiring organizations, pulling in large nonprofit networks and community-based programs alongside traditional public school systems.
Which New York cities have the most pre-k teacher jobs?
New York, Queens, and Brooklyn have the most pre-k teacher openings in New York right now. New York City dominates because of its Universal Pre-K program, which funds thousands of classroom seats across all five boroughs, while Buffalo and Yonkers see strong demand driven by large public school districts and federally funded Head Start programs serving high-need communities.
Are there remote pre-k teacher jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of pre-k teacher openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how deeply hands-on the role is by nature. The parts of the work most likely to be conducted remotely are curriculum development, instructional coaching, and early childhood program administration rather than direct classroom teaching.
How can I get hired as a pre-k teacher in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a paraprofessional or teaching assistant position in a New York public school or Head Start site while you complete your certification requirements. The NYC Department of Education's paraprofessional pathway allows candidates without a full teaching certificate to work in classrooms and earn toward their credentials. Roles such as group teacher assistant or family worker at community-based organizations also offer structured exposure, and a Child Development Associate credential can strengthen early applications significantly.
Where can I find and apply to pre-k teacher jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to pre-k teacher jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state right now. Find roles that fit your experience and certification level and apply directly.
See All 33 Pre-K Teacher Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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