University Settlement partners with 40,000+ New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn every year to build on our collective strengths as we achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For nearly 140 years, we’ve fought poverty and systemic inequality by building highly effective social services in collaboration with our neighbors. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, and creating space for responsive cooperation.
Joining with our neighbors to make stable foundations where people of all ages can grow and pursue their dreams, we build community strength. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equality, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, youth development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness, English classes for adult immigrants, community centers, and the arts.
Early Head Start provides comprehensive child development services, family support, and advocacy for low-income pregnant individuals and families with children from birth to three years of age. The program delivers developmentally appropriate early education and conducts home visits for families in the Lower East Side, New York.
Lead classroom sessions using designated curriculum
Develop age-appropriate lesson plans and implement an engaging, challenging and playful classroom curriculum
Provide primary care to classroom children using responsive caregiving practices.
Administer developmental assessments on children and develop personalized developmental goals for children.
Develop consistent, stable and supportive relationships with families and children
Maintain consistent communication with parents, conduct parent meetings and parent teacher conferences
Maintain and track required documentation pe-requirements and standards. including but not limited to written observations of the children’s experience in the classroom, CACFP documentation, attendance, reports, sign in lists, and others as required by supervisor.
Assist in identifying children with special needs and facilitate referrals
Maintain a clean, well prepared, and engaging learning environment with age appropriate materials in the classroom daily Provide guidance and training to program staff and help mentor classroom staff .
Develop knowledge of services available to families in the community
Conduct home visits to each child’s home at least twice per program year
Attend professional development conferences and training as required
Participate in program level recruitment and family and community engagement activities
Other related duties as requested by supervisor
Master’s, Bachelor's or Associate’s degree in early childhood education or a related field, as defined by the Office of Head Start and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, preferred.
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or active enrollment in a CDA or Associate’s degree program in Early Childhood Education required.
Candidates with a high school diploma may be considered if they have a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience and are enrolled in a qualifying study plan.
Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or English/Chinese) strongly preferred; language needs may vary based on program requirements.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills required.
Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
