Lead Teacher

The Learning Experience Corp - Wayne, NJ•Wayne, NJ

9d•$17 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Learning Experience in Wayne, New Jersey is seeking a passionate, dependable, and enthusiastic Lead Teacher to lead an early childhood classroom. The Lead Teacher creates a safe, nurturing, organized, and engaging environment where children feel valued and supported, and guides classroom staff while supporting children's developmental milestones. The role leads daily classroom operations, implements The Learning Experience's proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum®, plans hands-on learning experiences, observes and documents children's progress, and adapts teaching to individual needs. It also includes active child supervision, age-appropriate caregiving, classroom health and safety, family communication, and collaboration with center leadership and staff. The position requires active participation in classroom activities and the ability to provide attentive care to young children.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 18 years of age.
Previous experience working in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood education setting.
Meet all applicable New Jersey childcare licensing requirements for the assigned classroom and position.
Successfully complete required background checks, health screenings, and health and safety training.
Demonstrate strong classroom management, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Be comfortable guiding classroom staff, providing feedback, and maintaining accountability for daily classroom operations.
Ability to stand, walk, sit, and move around the classroom for extended periods; bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor; reach and stretch; and safely lift and carry children or classroom materials weighing up to 40 pounds.
Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to supervise children effectively and participate in outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
Ability to maintain the alertness and stamina needed for classroom, leadership, and caregiving responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Prior classroom leadership experience.
Early Childhood Education coursework, a CDA credential, or a related degree.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of daily classroom operations and maintain a safe, organized, welcoming, and engaging learning environment.
Provide direction, guidance, and support to Assistant Teachers and other classroom staff; delegate responsibilities and maintain accountability for classroom routines and expectations.
Model positive interactions, professionalism, and developmentally appropriate teaching practices.
Establish consistent classroom routines, expectations, and transitions, and collaborate with center leadership on classroom needs and improvements.
Plan, prepare, and implement The Learning Experience's proprietary L.E.A.P. Curriculum®; maintain lesson plans and align activities with curriculum objectives.
Develop engaging, hands-on learning experiences that support curiosity, independence, and developmental growth.
Observe, document, and assess children's developmental progress, using observations and assessments to guide instruction and support individual learning needs.
Prepare for and participate in parent-teacher conferences, sharing insights about children's progress.
Adapt teaching strategies to different developmental stages, learning styles, and individual needs.
Use consistent routines, clear expectations, positive reinforcement, redirection, and developmentally appropriate guidance to support children's behavior.
Engage children through songs, stories, movement, play, and interactive learning activities.
Support children's social-emotional development by modeling kindness, communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
Maintain active supervision and follow center safety procedures and applicable licensing regulations.
Track attendance and child accountability, including face-to-name verification during transitions.
Maintain a clean, sanitary, safe, and organized classroom, learning materials, storage areas, and shared spaces.
Meet children's daily caregiving needs, including diapering, toileting, handwashing, feeding, and other age-appropriate personal care.
Follow health, safety, incident-reporting, and center policies; promptly communicate safety concerns, classroom needs, and incidents to center leadership.
Build trusting relationships with children and families through warm, respectful, and consistent communication.
Provide timely, accurate updates about children's daily experiences, activities, and milestones through the center's communication platform.
Complete classroom documentation, daily reports, and parent communications consistently.
Communicate professionally with families about children's progress, classroom experiences, and concerns.
Partner with center leadership to support positive family experiences, engagement, and retention.
Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and center-wide events and initiatives.