Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education

The Goddard School of Elmwood Park, NJ•Elmwood Park, NJ

20d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Goddard School® located at 301 Riverfront Blvd., Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 is seeking an experienced and credentialed Head Teacher to join our leadership and educational team. At our School, we put our teachers first because they put our students first. The Head Teacher will help ensure the delivery of a high-quality early childhood program by supporting curriculum implementation, mentoring classroom educators, monitoring classroom quality and helping maintain compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early childhood educator who is ready to expand beyond leading one classroom and make a broader impact throughout the school. Nurture your growth. Empower your success. Join a welcoming and collaborative school community where your experience, ideas and leadership will help teachers grow and children thrive.

Requirements

Candidates must meet or be able to document the applicable New Jersey Head Teacher qualification requirements under N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6.
Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education or another qualifying child-development-related field OR New Jersey teaching certification in an applicable area, together with the required early childhood education or child-development credits and experience OR Head Teacher endorsement from the New Jersey Workforce Registry or Professional Impact New Jersey OR Another combination of education, ECE or child-development college credits and full-time qualifying experience accepted under New Jersey licensing regulations.
Prior experience working in a licensed childcare center, preschool, kindergarten or other qualifying group program serving young children.
Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
Experience leading, mentoring or coaching other educators.
Strong classroom-management, organizational and communication skills.
Ability to build professional relationships with children, families, teachers and school leadership.
Ability to provide official transcripts, credentials, certifications and employment verification necessary to establish Head Teacher eligibility.
Ability to meet all required background-check, health, training and licensing requirements.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds in connection with the care and supervision of children.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
New Jersey Head Teacher endorsement
Child Development Associate credential
New Jersey P–3 or elementary teaching certification
At least two years of early childhood classroom experience
Previous experience as a Head Teacher, Educational Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Lead Teacher or instructional coach
CPR and First Aid certification
Experience with teacher observations, curriculum implementation and staff development

Responsibilities

Support the implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities using our proprietary Wonder of Learning® curriculum.
Model high-quality teaching practices and maintain a safe, nurturing, structured and inclusive learning environment.
Guide, coach and support Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers and Resource Teachers in curriculum delivery, classroom management, child development and professional growth.
Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs and observations, provide constructive feedback and work with school leadership to improve teaching quality.
Support teachers in observing, assessing and documenting children’s development and using those observations to guide instruction.
Build positive relationships with families and assist teachers in maintaining clear, professional and consistent communication regarding children’s progress, classroom experiences and developmental needs.
Help ensure classrooms follow health and safety procedures, staff-to-child ratio requirements, supervision standards and applicable New Jersey childcare licensing regulations.
Model and reinforce positive guidance strategies that promote children’s social-emotional development, independence and conflict-resolution skills.
Assist with teacher onboarding, classroom training, professional-development planning and ongoing instructional support.
Work closely with the Director and Assistant Director to address classroom needs, staffing concerns, curriculum priorities and overall school quality.
Step into classrooms when necessary to provide instructional support, maintain continuity and help the school respond to operational needs.