AS Lead Teacher

Bergen Family Center•Englewood, NJ

23h•$25 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The After School Lead Teacher is responsible for leading the daily classroom experience for an assigned group of children within Bergen Family Center's After School Program. This position plans and implements educational, enrichment, and recreational activities while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment that promotes children's academic, social, and emotional development. The Lead Teacher provides guidance to Teacher's Assistants, maintains required documentation, and ensures classroom activities and practices comply with New Jersey licensing requirements and Bergen Family Center policies. The Lead Teacher plays a central role in creating a consistent, engaging, and supportive after-school experience for children. Through effective classroom leadership, thoughtful activity planning, positive behavior guidance, and strong relationships with children and families, this position helps ensure that children have a safe and enriching environment in which to learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day.

Requirements

Must meet applicable New Jersey School-Age Child Care (SACC) licensing requirements for the position.
Must successfully complete all required background checks and clearances.
Must complete required professional development and training hours in accordance with New Jersey licensing requirements.
Minimum of one (1) year of teaching, childcare, school-age care, or after-school program experience preferred.
Experience developing and implementing activities for school-age children preferred.
Previous experience providing guidance to classroom assistants or support staff is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
New Jersey Teacher Certification or Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential may be accepted where applicable to New Jersey SACC licensing requirements.

Responsibilities

Lead the daily operation of an assigned group of children during indoor and outdoor programming.
Develop and implement age-appropriate educational, creative, enrichment, and recreational activities.
Provide homework assistance and academic support to the assigned group.
Develop and submit lesson plans, activity plans, and supply requests to the Site Director in advance.
Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines that promote effective classroom management and maximize program time.
Create a positive classroom climate that supports children's emotional, social, and educational development.
Engage children actively and encourage participation in program activities.
Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and stimulating environment conducive to learning and positive interactions.
Ensure appropriate supervision of children at all times and follow required staff-to-child ratios.
Maintain proper care of classroom furnishings, equipment, materials, and supplies.
Provide day-to-day guidance and direction to Teacher's Assistants assigned to the classroom.
Model appropriate interactions, classroom management, and child supervision practices.
Delegate classroom responsibilities as appropriate and ensure assigned tasks are completed.
Support Teacher's Assistants in maintaining established classroom routines and program expectations.
Communicate staff or classroom concerns to the Site Director in a timely manner.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
Ensure classroom activities and practices comply with New Jersey School-Age Child Care (SACC) licensing requirements and Bergen Family Center policies.
Maintain accurate and timely attendance records and required program documentation.
Complete required forms, including attendance records, accident reports, and other licensing or program documentation.
Maintain confidentiality of children's, families', and staff members' information.
Attend required staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and professional development activities.
Complete required annual professional development hours in accordance with applicable New Jersey licensing requirements.
Establish positive, respectful, and productive relationships with children and their families.
Communicate appropriately and professionally with parents and guardians regarding children's participation, classroom activities, and program needs.
Use Brightwheel and other approved communication methods to communicate with families.
Respond to children's individual needs with patience, empathy, and respect.
Work collaboratively with the Site Director, Teacher's Assistants, and other program staff to support high-quality program delivery.
Communicate classroom needs, concerns, and successes to the Site Director.
Collaborate with colleagues to maintain consistency in program routines, expectations, and child supervision.
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and a positive attitude.
Support Bergen Family Center's mission, values, policies, and commitment to strengthening families and communities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.