UPK Assistant Teacher

Roosevelt Island NY 10044 · New York NY 10002 · New York NY 10001 · New York NY 10128 · Brooklyn NY 11211 · New York NY 10003 · New York NY 10009 · New York NY 10021 · New York NY 10013Full-time$22.13–$23.03/hrPosted Jul 29, 2026

At Bright Horizons, we believe early childhood education has the power to shape futures. Join our team as an Associate Universal Pre-K Teacher, where you’ll work alongside dedicated educators to create a warm, engaging environment that supports curiosity, confidence, and growth. Supporting 4- and 5-year-old children as they prepare for kindergarten, you’ll play an important role in building the early learning foundation that helps children thrive in school and beyond.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the lead teacher in planning and executing daily activities

  • Maintain open communication with parents, sharing their child's daily milestones

  • Ensure a safe and clean classroom by following essential procedures and guidelines

Qualifications:

Candidates must pass required state and company background checks, and meet state and company minimum education and experience requirements:  

  • 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED is required

  • 1 year of professional experience teaching in child care, daycare, or preschool settings is preferred

  • Child Development Associate (CDA), associate, or bachelor’s degree in early education or related field is preferred

  • Demonstrated knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) for 4- and 5-year-old children is required

Be part of a community where people grow, futures are shaped, and lives are changed. We offer the rewards, opportunities, and support you deserve because making a difference goes both ways. We’re changing the world of work and family, and it starts with you. At Bright Horizons, you’re the difference.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the employee to comply with all applicable federal, state, local, Bright Horizons’, and client site requirements concerning immunizations, employment physical/screening, and health and safety training. If hired, you will work in person in an early education/preschool child care center to provide supervision, care, curriculum delivery and services per Bright Horizons’ policies, procedures and guidance, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations, and in a manner that will ensure the safety of children in Bright Horizons care and the employee.

In this role, you must maintain both mental and physical alertness, ensuring you have the appropriate level of energy to meet the essential job requirements. You must be ready to respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies. The position demands a full range of motion, allowing you to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and fully participate in various activities. You will frequently need to lift, move, or hold children weighing between 10 to 40 pounds, and occasionally, you may be required to handle weights exceeding 40 pounds. Bright Horizons complies with all laws that require reasonable accommodation for qualifying disabilities and/or pregnancy-related limitations.

Compensation:

The hourly rate for this position is between $22.13-23.03 per hour. The pay range listed here is what Bright Horizons in good faith anticipates offering for this job opening. Actual compensation offers within this range will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education and training, certifications, geography, and other relevant business or organizational factors.

Benefits:

Bright Horizons offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

  • Paid vacation, sick, holiday, and parental bonding leave 

  • 401(k) retirement plan  

  • Long-term and short-term disability insurance 

  • Life insurance 

  • Money-saving discounts and financial planning tools 

  • Career development opportunities and free college degrees through our Horizons CDA & Degree Program 

  • Caregiving support and resources for the children and adults in your family 

  • Learn more at https://careers.brighthorizons.com/us/en/health-and-wellness 

Bright Horizons is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis.

Compensation: $22.13-23.03 per hour

Life at Bright Horizons:

At Bright Horizons, you’re more than your job title — you’re the difference. Whether you’re nurturing a child’s first steps or supporting the systems behind the scenes, your work creates real impact. We’re a community that celebrates individuality, invests in your growth, and supports your whole self. Because when you thrive, so do the children, families, and clients we serve. Join us and help build a brighter future — for yourself and for others.

Bright Horizons provides equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Bright Horizons complies with the laws and regulations described in the following federal government resources: Know Your Rights,  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation in completing these application materials or any aspect of the application and hiring process, please contact the recruitment helpdesk at 855-877-6866 or bhrecruit@brighthorizons.com. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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