Pre-Kindergarten Guide

$120,000 USD/year ^{Pay is set based on global value, not the local market. Most roles = hourly rate x 40 hrs x 50 weeks}  ($60 USD/hour)

• Plan and lead 30–60 minute play-based learning sessions that foster joy, emotional security, and quantifiable developmental progress
• Build a classroom environment rich in movement and sensory opportunities that sustains engagement and supports four-year-olds learning through varied modalities
• Conduct real-time observation and documentation: Record same-day, objective observations linked to developmental domains, then refresh each child's milestone tracker weekly
• Leverage data to shape instruction: Review weekly documentation to pinpoint each child's next developmental target and design responsive teaching strategies
• Create individualized, interest-driven activity modifications for each child, embed a single clear developmental objective, and reassess impact within two weeks
• Support children through frustration using calm co-regulation and emotional guidance instead of reactive behavior management
• Share student progress, classroom routines, and emerging issues clearly and proactively with families

• View PreK as custodial care instead of purposeful early education
• Default to scripted worksheets or compliance-focused instruction as your primary teaching method
• Spend the majority of your day supervising academic apps rather than facilitating live, hands-on learning experiences
• Apply reactive behavior management instead of calm co-regulation and emotional guidance

Ensure NYC Pre-K children develop a love of school while showing accelerated early-learning growth through purposeful play.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, OR CDA/Montessori/Reggio credential
• At least 2 years of experience working with 3–5-year-olds in a structured group environment (classroom setting, not exclusively one-on-one care)
• Proven track record facilitating play-based learning that produces observable developmental progress
• Documented ability to record developmental milestones objectively and reliably on a weekly basis using a structured framework or rubric
• Strong relationship-building and emotional awareness: Capacity to establish trust rapidly, interpret emotional signals accurately, and apply individualized motivators to activate engagement
• Co-regulation and frustration support: Lead children through emotional escalation using calm modeling and structured emotional guidance
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
• Available to work full-time on-site in New York City, NY