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Pathways for Early Childhood Educators

Work with our youngest learners. We lead the nation in offering free, full-day early childhood education for all three-year-olds and four-year-olds. 

Our early childhood programs offer unique opportunities for aspiring early childhood educators who are beginning their careers or working towards New York State certification.

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About Early Childhood Education

To serve as many early learners as possible, we offer early childhood programming in district schools and through community partnerships.

NYC Ʒ߿ offers early childhood programs directly at 600+ elementary schools and 70 Pre-K centers. Positions are only available to teachers who hold New York State certification. 

More than 1,150 independent, community-based organizations (CBOs) partner with NYC Ʒ߿ to provide early childhood programs. CBOs offer unique opportunities for not-yet-certified teachers.

Earn Your Certification While Teaching at a CBO

Community-based organizations offer roles for teachers working towards their certification. If you have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and have completed some related coursework, you may be eligible for a “Study Plan” role. Study Plan Lead Teachers teach full-time and complete their New York State Early Childhood certification within three years.

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Other Positions in CBOs

Community-based organizations also offer roles for aspiring early childhood educators who are beginning their careers in education or experienced educators interested in leadership roles.

Teacher’s Aide.  You must be 18 years old and possess a high-school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Assistant Teacher / Paraprofessional. You must be 18 years old, possess a high-school diploma or equivalent (GED), and hold a Teaching Assistant Certification.

Education Director. Oversee the instructional quality of early childhood classrooms within a CBO setting. The role blends instructional leadership with day-to-day management and mentorship. You must have NYSED Early Childhood Teacher Certification. 

Apply for Early Childhood Roles at CBOs

Complete the CBO Early Childhood Application today to get started searching for open teaching, support, and leadership roles at more than 1,150 community-based organizations. 

“Our city’s 3-K for All program is so important because our children at an early age come into a structured, safe, and loving environment. They start to learn language skills, critical thinking, and social skills. You see the growth and you see the difference in their confidence.
As an early childhood education teacher, you’re not only thinking about the 10 months that they’re going to be with you, you’re thinking about them moving on. I’m a part of something bigger—and I always keep that in mind.”
Carine Bruny
3-K for All, P.S. 323
Carine has been an NYC teacher for more than two decades. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in early childhood education from Brooklyn College.