Head Teacher

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory•Jersey City, NJ

3d•$18 - $22

About The Position

The Head Teacher supports the Childcare Director in creating a caring and safe environment for children and improving the quality of care and education. The role assists staff in implementing an early childhood and school-age educational program, develops positive relationships with children and parents, observes and coaches staff, and supports family engagement initiatives under the Childcare Director’s direction. The Head Teacher helps ensure the program meets The Salvation Army, New Jersey Office of Licensing, Grow NJ Kids, and New Jersey School Age Care Coalition standards. The role also supports developmentally appropriate activities and schedules, accurate center records, staff training, classroom planning, children’s developmental assessments, transitions between classrooms and to kindergarten, and communication with families.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Healthcare, Nursing, or another field related to Child Growth & Development, or a Department of Education teaching certification in Elementary, Nursery School, Pre-School through Third Grade, or Teacher of the Handicapped.
At least 2 years of professional education experience.
High energy and ability to work well with others.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Understanding of child development.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to lift 30 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
Infant/Child and Adult CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification within 90 days.
Must pass a full criminal background check, CARI check, and fingerprinting.
Must provide a health screening, including physical and TB results, within the first 90 days.
Must understand and support The Salvation Army’s mission.

Nice To Haves

Classroom teaching experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure activities for children align with The Salvation Army, New Jersey Office of Licensing, Grow NJ Kids, and New Jersey School Age Care Coalition standards.
Collaborate with the Childcare Director to ensure daily schedules, activities, and the physical environment are developmentally appropriate and support each child’s growth.
Assist the Childcare Director in maintaining current and accurate childcare center records.
Collaborate with the Childcare Director to identify, develop, or schedule staff training and workshops to meet Grow NJ Kids standards.
Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and teachers, providing guidance as needed.
Work with Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and volunteers to develop and apply their skills in planning and conducting classroom activities.
Coordinate children’s transitions between classrooms and to kindergarten.
Plan, discuss, and evaluate staff implementation of program activities and lessons in line with State requirements, Grow NJ Kids, and NJSACC, promoting children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
Assist teachers in regularly evaluating children’s development and curriculum goals.
Conduct observations and individual instructional coaching for Lead Teachers to support proper curriculum and developmental assessment implementation.
Establish and document weekly meetings with Lead Teachers about relevant program and child-related information.
Assist with planning and implementing family engagement programs.
Participate in parent-teacher conferences and parent meetings to keep parents informed of their child’s progress.
Notify the Director if a child shows signs of abuse or neglect.
Maintain positive relationships and cooperative interactions with other staff members.
Ensure staff follow center policies and procedures and notify the Director when they do not.
Complete 20 hours of annual ECEC training as required by New Jersey DHS childcare center regulations.
Perform other related responsibilities as requested by the immediate supervisor.