Associate Director with NYS Certification 

Join Our Team as an Associate Education Director!

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We are seeking an Associate Director to join our leadership team. The ideal candidate holds a New York State Teacher Certification (Birth–Grade 2) and has at least two years of early childhood teaching experience, preferably in New York City.

This is a transitional leadership role, with the intention of stepping into the School Director position in the coming years. We welcome applications from experienced preschool teachers who may not yet have administrative experience—what matters most is your eagerness to learn and grow into a leadership role.

While Mandarin language skills are not required, a strong understanding of Mandarin immersion education and bilingual learning is essential. We value excellent English communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

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Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

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• Support Operational Management – Work closely with the School Director to ensure smooth, consistent day-to-day operations aligned with our school’s mission and values.

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• Ensure Safety and Inclusion – Promote a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and families, while upholding regulatory safety standards.

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• Build Positive Relationships – Foster strong, supportive connections with children, families, and staff to nurture a joyful, collaborative school community.

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• Monitor Progress and Quality – Conduct regular classroom observations, review student assessments and reports, and support teachers in using data to improve instruction and program quality.

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• Facilitate Professional Development  – Partner with the Education Team to lead training sessions, provide constructive feedback, and mentor staff to support their growth and teaching excellence.

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• Strengthen School Partnerships – Represent the school at professional events and build strong relationships with partner schools and organizations.

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• Guide Curriculum Implementation - Collaborate with our Chinese Curriculum Specialist to ensure lesson plans and classroom activities reflect our educational philosophy and meet developmental benchmarks.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• New York State Teaching Certification  (Birth - Grade 2)

• Master degree in Early Childhood Education

• 2+ years of teaching experience in a preschool setting, preferably in NYC

• Strong foundation in whole-child development, play-based learning, developmentally appropriate practices, and intentional curriculum design

• Warm, engaging presence with children and a strong ability to build meaningful connections with them

• Excellent people skills and the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with parents and peer educators

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English

• Prior administrative experience in a school setting is a strong plus

• Mandarin language skills (spoken and written) are a significant advantage

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While the start date is flexible, our priority is finding the right person—someone who aligns with our values and is a strong fit for our team. We’re committed to working with the right candidate to create a transition plan that supports a smooth and successful start.

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to yyms@yayapreschool.org. In your cover letter, we’d love to hear more than just what’s on your resume—share a bit of your story, your strengths, and what draws you to work with young children. We’re not looking for a generic response; we want to get a sense of who you really are. Salary is commensurate with experience.

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