Early Childhood Education Teacher Associate I - Per Diem

Hackensack Meridian Health; Neptune City (NJ); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Hackensack Meridian Health is hiring a Teacher Associate I to support a safe, developmentally appropriate learning environment. You will assist with planning, conduct small group activities, and engage children throughout the day while guiding those needing extra help.

Strong communication with families and collaboration with teams is essential. The posted role emphasizes a positive, nurturing setting and adherence to licensing standards.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Experience in a child care setting preferred (1 year).
• Ability to communicate with families and colleagues effectively.
• Creativity and organizational skills to support learning activities.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Supports Teacher/Teacher Associate II with lesson activities.
• Conducts one-on-one and small group activities.
• Engages with children throughout the day and guides those needing extra help.
• Communicates openly with families and staff, collaborating with team members.

Skills

Child care

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Advanced degree accepted in lieu of experience

Job description

Description

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

Responsibilties

The Teacher Associate I is responsible for maintaining a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment in accordance with all curriculum and program established standards.

• Provides support to the Teacher/Teacher Associate II in implementing both long and short range activities in accordance with educational component plans, curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practices and program philosophy.
• Participates and conducts one‑on‑one activities with small groups of children during instruction and lesson review.
• Actively participates in all activities with the children throughout the day.
• Guide children who need extra support to complete tasks.
• Willingness to follow instructions and work in a supporting role.
• Exercises open and respectful communication with families, team members, supervisors and other center staff.
• Work collaboratively with families, team members, supervisors and other center staff.
• Devoted to building a nurturing learning environment that fosters appropriate skills and social attitudes in the children.
• Helps to maintain a safe and healthy environment within the guidelines established by the Office of Licensing.
• Maintains and meets educational requirements as it relates to the NAEYC Accreditation Standards and Criteria.
• Maintains and meets all required licensing requirements for the Department of Children and Families‑Office of Licensing.
• Encompasses knowledge and understanding of Grow NJ Kids Rating System, Criteria and Applications.
• Contributes information to the children’s anecdotal records and child’s developmental needs.
• Participates in lesson plan review, team meetings and learning environment communication sessions.
• Attends and participates in professional development, meetings and conferences.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies, job competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a child care setting or related field. Advanced degree also accepted in lieu of experience requirement.
• A talent for fostering children’s appetite for learning.
• Creative and resourceful, combined with strong planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills, as well as comprehensive knowledge of classroom activities and teaching methods.
• Genuine interest in children and respect for their individuality.
• The ability to establish positive relationships with families and other professionals.

Licenses And Certifications Required

• Must maintain Pediatric First Aid/CPR AED certifications and active NJCCIS registry within 30 days of hire (NJCCIS New Jersey Child Care Information System for early childhood professionals serving children birth through age thirteen).

Licenses And Certifications Preferred

• Child Development Associate Certification(CDA)/Child Care Professional Certificate (CCP) in early childhood or related field (or pursuing), and two or more years of experience working in an early childhood setting; or continuing education to receive an Associate Degree in early childhood or related field.

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market‑competitive total rewards package.

Job Duties

The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non‑discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:

• Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
• Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
• Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
• Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
• Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
• Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
• Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.

Some jobs may also be eligible for performance‑based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.

In addition to our compensation for full‑time and part‑time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

Minimum rate of $17.64 Hourly