UPK / 3K Certified Preschool Teacher - New York City

Location: New York City, NY
Compensation: $65,000–$76,686 per year (based on education and experience)

Make a difference every day — with a team that values you.

Vivvi is reimagining early childhood education. We’re not your typical preschool—and definitely not just another daycare. As a private preschool and licensed childcare center in New York City, our mission is to make exceptional early learning accessible to all families while creating fulfilling, growth-oriented careers for educators.

We are seeking a Certified Preschool Teacher / Early Childhood Educator to lead a 3K / UPK classroom in our innovative early learning center. This full-time preschool teaching role in New York City is ideal for experienced educators passionate about play-based learning, social-emotional development, and developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with New York State early learning standards.

As a Lead Preschool Teacher, you’ll guide a dynamic 3-year-old classroom, fostering curiosity, independence, and confidence through engaging learning experiences and strong family partnerships.

Lead your 3K / UPK preschool classroom with creativity, warmth, and purpose.

• →

  Lead a 3-year-old preschool classroom in a licensed New York City early learning center.

• →

  Design and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum using play-based learning, emergent curriculum, and creative curriculum approaches.

• →

  Support children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development through Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and inquiry-based instruction.

• →

  Assess and track developmental progress using Teaching Strategies GOLD and other observation-based tools.

• →

  Build strong relationships with families and communicate regularly about milestones and progress.

• →

  Maintain a safe, nurturing, and well-organized early childhood classroom environment.

• →

  Collaborate with teaching teams and school leadership to implement curriculum aligned with NYS early learning standards and UPK / 3K program expectations.

• 3–5 years of preschool teaching experience, ideally in a 3K, UPK, or preschool classroom.

• New York State Early Childhood Certification (B-2 or N-6) required.

• Experience working in a licensed childcare center, private preschool, or early learning center.

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required.

• Familiarity with play-based learning, emergent curriculum, creative curriculum approaches, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

• Passion for working with young children and seeing every child as capable and curious.

• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

• CPR / First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).

• Fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Robust onboarding, mentorship, and coaching

• Dedicated professional development days

• Clear pathways for career advancement and leadership

• Support for continuing teacher certification and professional learning

• Beautiful, purpose-built classrooms equipped with high-quality materials

• Collaborative team culture that values creativity, curiosity, and care

• Child-centered curriculum designed around exploration, play, and discovery

Ready to grow your career in early childhood education in New York City?

Apply today to join a supportive team shaping the future of preschool education. If you’re searching for UPK teacher jobs, 3K teacher jobs, preschool teacher jobs in NYC, or certified early childhood educator roles, we’d love to meet you.

Applicants must be based in or willing to relocate to New York City and possess independent U.S. work authorization.

Physical demands of this position include sitting and standing for extended periods, bending, reaching overhead, and frequently moving or lifting children up to 50 pounds unassisted.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@vivvi.com.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Physical demands of this position include but are not limited to sitting and standing for extended periods, bending at the waist, reaching overhead, and frequently moving or lifting children weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact hr@vivvi.com. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance. 

Index: Certified Preschool Teacher, UPK Teacher NYC, 3K Teacher New York City, Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher NYC, Lead Preschool Teacher, Licensed Childcare Center Teacher, Private Preschool Teacher, Play-Based Learning, Emergent Curriculum, Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), NYS Early Learning Standards, New York State B-2 Certification, New York State N-6 Certification, Preschool Jobs NYC, Early Childhood Jobs New York City.