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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LOCATION: Chappaqua Central School District
PAY: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Schedule: Follows the school calendar
Hours: 8:45 AM - 2:15 PM
JOB STATUS: Part-time, non-exempt
Do you love working with kids?
Healthy Kids Programs is hiring a Pre-K Teacher Assistant for our UPK Program at Chappaqua Central School District for the 2026–2027 school year.
Key Success Characteristics:
- Loves working with children and helping them learn through play and positive experiences
- Brings energy, kindness, and patience to each day
- Enjoys encouraging children's curiosity, creativity, and confidence
- Works well with teammates and communicates effectively with families
- Reliable, organized, and committed to providing exceptional care
Featured Benefit: Employer-Paid Childcare
Healthy Kids Programs provides childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you work. Employer contributions cover the cost of care, so you can focus on your job while your child participates in a safe, structured, and engaging program, all without needing to arrange outside care.
Who Thrives in This Role
This position is especially well-suited for:
- Parents seeking a schedule that aligns with the school day
- Education majors or future teachers looking for hands-on experience with children and classroom management
- Retirees who enjoy staying active, mentoring children, and giving back to the community
If you enjoy building relationships, supporting student growth, and being part of a mission-driven team, you’ll feel right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Role
- You’ll see the real impact of your work every day as children grow and gain confidence
- You’ll be part of a supportive classroom team where collaboration matters
- You’ll work in a structured but creative environment that balances learning and play
- You’ll build meaningful relationships with children during key developmental years
- You’ll gain hands-on experience in early childhood education with opportunities to grow
- You’ll be part of a mission-driven organization focused on making childcare accessible and high-quality
Key Responsibilities
- Work under the direction of the Lead Teacher to support and carry out lesson plans, classroom activities, and daily routines
- Assist with implementing learning activities and supporting smooth classroom transitions
- Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
- Provide close supervision and support children with personal care routines, including toileting and handwashing
- Help maintain a clean, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
- Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, and staff
- Support the Lead Teacher in addressing and planning for individual student needs
- Maintain consistent attendance to support classroom stability and UPK program requirements
- Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Lead Teacher or supervisor
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s degree in education or related field preferred
- Must successfully pass all required state background checks.
- Experience in childcare, early education, or classroom support preferred
- Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
- Creativity and adaptability when working with young children
- Ability to remain active throughout the day in a hands-on classroom environment
Physical Requirements
This role is active and hands-on. You should be able to:
- Lift and carry children when necessary
- Bend, kneel, reach, run, and sit on the floor as part of classroom activities
- Supervise children closely at all times
- Lift up to 50 lbs. as needed
PART-TIME BENEFITS:
- Employer-paid childcare for school-age children (ages 5–12) enrolled in our program on the days and during the hours you are working with us
- Telehealth, vision, and dental coverage
- AFLAC supplemental plans
- 401(k) for eligible employees
- Paid sick time
- On-demand pay – access earned wages before your scheduled payday for added financial flexibility
- Career development and growth opportunities
About Healthy Kids Programs
Healthy Kids Programs is more than a childcare provider—we're shaping the future of childcare. As one of Inc. 5000's fastest-growing organizations, we provide Early Learning, Before and After School, and Summer Camp programs at more than 150 locations. As a certified Benefit Corporation, our mission is to make childcare accessible and affordable while creating meaningful opportunities for children, families, and our team members.
Learn more about our team and culture: https://www.healthykidsprograms.com/workwithus
Healthy Kids Programs is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
See All 43 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



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Non-Profit & Social Services
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 Healthy Kids Extended Day Program, Uncommon Schools, and Tutor Time, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Brooklyn, and Troy 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 September 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 43 Pre-K Teacher Jobs in New York
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