Lead Teacher (LJ)

Bergen Family Center • Englewood, NJ

41d • $45,500 - $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Teacher serves as the primary instructional leader within the classroom and is responsible for creating and sustaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. Utilizing The Creative Curriculum, the Lead Teacher designs, implements, and evaluates comprehensive instructional experiences that support cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. This role exercises substantial professional discretion and independent judgment in curriculum planning and delivery, assessment practices, classroom management, and implementation of individualized learning strategies. The Lead Teacher collaborates with families, Teacher Assistants, specialists, and leadership to support each child’s development, school readiness, and overall success.

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development Associate (CDA) required.
• Experience working with young children required.
• All state-required clearances, certifications, and trainings must be maintained throughout employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field strongly preferred.
• Experience implementing curriculum and conducting child observations and assessments preferred.
• Experience utilizing The Creative Curriculum preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the instructional leader of the classroom, implementing The Creative Curriculum to design and deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with program standards and child needs.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in curriculum planning, instructional delivery, assessment integration, and classroom management to promote strong child outcomes.
• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Differentiate instruction based on developmental observations, child interests, and ongoing assessment data.
• Apply knowledge of early childhood development and evidence-based practices to instructional decision-making.
• Support social-emotional development using Pyramid Model strategies.
• Collaborate with support staff and specialists to address individual child needs and strengthen instructional outcomes.
• Conduct ongoing observational assessments and developmental evaluations using approved assessment tools to monitor children's growth, inform instructional planning, and support individualized learning goals.
• Analyze assessment data, child progress, and classroom outcomes to inform instructional decision-making, curriculum implementation, and continuous classroom improvement.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date child and classroom documentation in accordance with program requirements.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, training, and performance feedback to Teacher Assistants.
• Foster classroom consistency and teamwork by modeling professional teaching practices, classroom management strategies, developmentally appropriate interactions, and implementation of program standards.
• Collaborate with the Director of Early Learning to strengthen classroom quality, staff development, and program effectiveness.
• Maintain consistent, professional communication with families via Brightwheel, conferences, and scheduled meetings.
• Build strong family partnerships by sharing child progress, developmental updates, and learning experiences.
• Partner with leadership and support staff to address concerns related to development, behavior, attendance, or family needs.
• Attend Parent/Teacher conferences.
• Participate in ongoing Pyramid Model coaching through Montclair State University.
• Engage in required observations (TPITOS/TPOT) and organization-sponsored professional development to maintain and expand expertise in early childhood education, child development, The Creative Curriculum, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based instructional practices, demonstrating continuous professional growth and reflective practice.
• Apply coaching feedback and professional learning to strengthen instructional practice, curriculum implementation, and child outcomes.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and organizational training activities.
• Follow all licensing regulations, program policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain classroom records and documentation in accordance with program, licensing, and funding requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and supervision requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

Benefits

• health
• dental
• vision
• retirement plan
• paid time off
• vacation time
• sick time
• Eligible for organization-sponsored professional development and continuing education opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree