What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preschool Teacher position at The Preschool Place and Kindergarten?
About This Role
We are seeking a compassionate and professional teacher for our growing Preschool 2s program. The Preschool 2s Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that supports the cognitive, social, emotional, language, and physical development of students. The teacher plans and implements developmentally appropriate learning experiences using the Frog Street curriculum while fostering curiosity, independence, and positive relationships. The Preschool 2s Teacher works collaboratively with families, colleagues, and administration to provide high-quality early childhood education while maintaining compliance with all New Jersey Office of Licensing regulations and supporting the program's Grow NJ Kids continuous quality improvement efforts. The position follows the Bridgewater School district calendar. This is a 10 month position from September-June. The hours are 8:30-2:30 Monday-Friday.
What You'll Do
Classroom Environment
- Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom where every child feels safe, valued, and respected.
- Establish consistent routines that support the developmental needs of two-year-old children.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Ensure all classroom materials are safe, engaging, and accessible.
- Supervise children at all times, maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios and active supervision.
Curriculum & Instruction
- Implement the Frog Street curriculum with fidelity while adapting activities to meet individual developmental needs.
- Plan and facilitate hands-on learning experiences that promote language, literacy, early math, science, art, music, movement, and sensory exploration.
- Encourage social-emotional growth through modeling, guidance, and positive behavior support.
- Promote independence through age-appropriate self-help skills including toileting, handwashing, feeding, and classroom responsibilities.
- Integrate outdoor learning and gross motor experiences into the daily schedule.
Child Assessment & Documentation
- Observe and document children's developmental progress.
- Complete required developmental screenings, assessments, and portfolios within program timelines.
- Use assessment data to individualize instruction and support each child's growth.
- Maintain accurate attendance, health, and classroom documentation.
Family Partnerships
- Build positive, respectful relationships with families.
- Communicate regularly regarding children's progress, milestones, and daily experiences through Procare and conferences.
- Encourage family engagement in classroom activities and school events.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding all children and families.
Health, Safety & Licensing
- Follow all New Jersey Office of Licensing regulations.
- Adhere to all health, sanitation, and safety procedures.
- Respond appropriately to illnesses, injuries, and emergencies.
- Maintain current CPR, First Aid, and required state training certifications.
- Report any suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with state law.
Professional Responsibilities
- Collaborate positively with teaching teams and administration.
- Attend staff meetings, professional development, and required in-service training.
- Participate in Grow NJ Kids quality improvement initiatives.
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and ethical conduct at all times.
- Accept feedback and actively pursue professional growth.
Requirements
- CDA, Associate's Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or willingness to obtain required credentials.
- Experience working with children ages 2-3 years.
- High energy.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
- An understanding of child development.
- Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification (will help to obtain).
- Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
- Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively engage with young children throughout the day.
- Successful completion of required background checks.
- Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
- Experience implementing Frog Street Curriculum.
- Knowledge of Grow NJ Kids standards.
- Experience with classroom assessment and child observations.
- Experience using Procare or similar childcare management software.
Benefits
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Retirement Plan
- Professional Development
- 401(k)
- Paid time off
- No nights or weekends
Salary : $19 - $22