Peschool Head Teacher

Organization Overview

Riverdale Neighborhood House’s (RNH) mission is to strengthen the community in the northwest Bronx by delivering programs responsive to local needs, by building connections and promoting equity across generational, cultural, racial, and economic lines, and by creating a sense of place. We work with a vibrant, diverse community of over 50,000 residents who live in an area bordered by the Hudson River, Van Cortlandt Park, Manhattan, and Yonkers. RNH provides a wide range of programming anchored in regular needs assessments of our community.

Today, RNH offers no-cost preschool education and free and low-cost after-school programs for children aged 2-13. Activities for high school students include internships, college advising, leadership development, and recreation. Adults participate in enrichment classes, community events, and volunteer programs. The volunteer-run Telephone Reassurance Program supports homebound older adults and the Food & Farm Hub works to promote food justice and environmental stewardship through a teaching garden, community fridge, and farm stand.

Job Description:

Riverdale Neighborhood House, Inc (RNH) serves the vibrant, diverse community of Riverdale offering programs and human services for families and individuals in the greater Bronx. Our highly respected Early Childhood Center offers educational programs for 3K and Pre-K for All.

RNH is looking to hire a Preschool Head Teacher to work with preschool aged children for the 2026-2027 School Year.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Lead assist and cooperate with the teaching team to ensure the safety of all children
• Create and implement age-appropriate lesson plans and activities and incorporate the NYCPS curriculum
• Help achieve RNH's commitment to uphold all NYC and NYS educational standards;
• Attend supervision meetings with the Director
• Participate in group conferences and workshops to further professional growth as suggested or required
• Help maintain clean and neat facility and classroom adhering to safety protocols; Participate, as requested, in RNH events;
• Complete other assignments made by the Director of RNH administrative staff
• Foster children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing classroom environment
• Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, outdoor play, and transitions
• Teach basic academic concepts such as letters, numbers, colors, and shapes through play-based learning
• Encourage positive behavior and model appropriate social skills
• Observe and document children’s progress and developmental milestones
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, behavior, and classroom updates
• Collaborate with assistant teachers, administrators, and support staff
• Assist children with toileting, hygiene, meals, and other daily care needs as appropriate responsibilities specifically for NYC preschool settings

Qualifications:

• Flexible, energetic individual who contributes to a positive and collaborative culture at RNH
• NYS certified or have a Bachelor’s degree working towards certification
• Minimally 1 year of experience working in early childhood and/or with children preferred
• Successful Background check and State Central Registry clearances required
• Able to perform physical activities including constant bending, standing, and lifting up to 25-30 lbs.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm and until 4 pm once a week for staff meetings.

• Vacation allowance, paid holidays and sick time.
• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Thrift Plan
• Commuter Benefits