Child Care Lead Teacher/Assistant Teacher/Floater Positions Available

Job Description

Job Description

❤️ Come Build Something Special With Us

Lead Teachers • Assistant Teachers • Floaters

SmartEarly — Clifton Park, NY

If you're looking for “just another childcare job,” SmartEarly probably isn't for you.

But if you want to come to work somewhere where people know your name, have your back, laugh together, help each other through the crazy days, celebrate the great ones, and genuinely care about the children and each other...

We should talk.

At SmartEarly, we don't believe great childcare is built by policies, classrooms or fancy slogans.

It's built by people.

And we've spent years building a team that feels much more like a family than a workplace.

⭐ Our average teacher has been with SmartEarly for more than 7 YEARS.

In an industry where people seem to change jobs constantly, we're incredibly proud of that.

People stay at SmartEarly because this isn't a revolving door.

You become part of something.

We're Growing Our SmartEarly Family

We're currently looking for people who may fit one of several positions:

Lead / Group Teachers

For experienced early-childhood educators ready to lead a classroom, develop relationships with children and families, and help create an extraordinary environment every day.

❤️ Assistant Teachers

Love children but don't necessarily have years of childcare credentials?

There may be a place for you here.

We're looking for dependable, positive people who want to learn, grow and become part of an experienced teaching team.

Float Teachers

Are you the kind of person who can walk into an infant room in the morning, help toddlers before lunch and save the day in preschool in the afternoon?

You might be our MVP.

Our float teachers are an important part of keeping classrooms supported, teachers covered and children cared for throughout the center.

What Makes SmartEarly Different?

The people. Period.

We want SmartEarly to be the childcare center where great teachers come — and then don't want to leave.

You'll work alongside experienced teachers who know their children, know their families and know each other.

We believe in:

❤️ Helping each other instead of saying, “That's not my job.”

Working as one team rather than a collection of classrooms.

Laughing — because anyone who works with toddlers knows a sense of humor isn't optional.

Helping good employees become great teachers.

Recognizing people who care and go the extra mile.

Building relationships with children and families that can last for years.

This is a place where you can build a career — not just pick up another childcare job.

Who You'll Work With

SmartEarly serves children from infancy through preschool.

Depending on your experience, education and qualifications, we'll determine where you'll be most successful on our team.

You might work with:

Infants — 6 weeks to 24 months
Toddlers — 24 to 48 months
Preschoolers — 48 to 72 months

✅ Minimum Qualifications

Because SmartEarly is a New York State licensed childcare center, employees must meet applicable New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) requirements for the position in which they're hired.

Assistant Teachers / Floaters

You may qualify if you have:

• A high school diploma or equivalent, OR
• Qualifying experience working with children under age 13.

Your exact classroom responsibilities will depend upon your qualifications and experience.

Lead / Group Teachers

Lead Teacher requirements vary by classroom.

For Preschool, qualifying pathways can include:

• An Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field; OR
• A CDA or other recognized preschool credential plus qualifying experience; OR
• At least 9 college credits in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field, qualifying experience, and an approved plan of study toward the required credential or degree.

For Infant/Toddler, qualifying pathways can include:

• An Associate's degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or a related field plus qualifying infant/toddler experience; OR
• A recognized Infant/Toddler credential or CDA combined with the required childcare experience; OR
• At least 9 qualifying college credits, required childcare/infant-toddler experience, and an approved plan of study toward the required credential or degree.

Not sure whether you qualify as a Lead Teacher? Apply anyway.

We'll look at your education and experience and determine which SmartEarly position you qualify for.

All SmartEarly Employees Must

• Successfully complete all required background-clearance requirements.
• Provide required employment and experience history and references.
• Meet applicable health and suitability requirements for working in a childcare environment.
• Complete required New York State childcare training.
• Be dependable and able to work as part of a team.
• Most importantly: genuinely enjoy being around children.

❤️ The Person We're Really Looking For

Credentials matter.

But so does character.

We're looking for people who:

Show up.

Care about their coworkers.

Notice when someone needs help.

Treat children with patience and kindness.

Want parents to feel great about leaving their children with us.

And understand that the little people running through our building aren't interruptions to our work...

They ARE the work.

Ready for Something Better?

Maybe you've worked in childcare for 15 years.

Maybe you're finishing school.

Maybe you've been an assistant teacher and you're ready to become a lead.

Maybe you're naturally amazing with children but nobody has given you the opportunity to turn that ability into a career.

We'd like to meet you.

Come see why SmartEarly teachers stay.

Come meet the people who could become your coworkers, your friends — and maybe even your second family.

Apply today.

SmartEarly
Clifton Park, New York

Great teachers don't just work here.

❤️ They belong here.