Early Childhood Education Teacher Associate II - Full Time

Hackensack Meridian Health; Brick Township (NJ); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Hackensack Meridian Health is seeking a Teacher Associate II to support a safe, engaging learning environment for children. The role involves assisting lead teachers, preparing materials, and participating actively in daily activities to foster development.

The position requires a minimum 2 years in child care, earned CDA/CCP or related credentials, and ongoing compliance with licensing and accreditation standards. NJ-based, on-site role with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a child care setting or related field.
• Ability to foster children's appetite for learning.
• Creative and resourceful with strong planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Teacher and guides the Teacher Associate I in implementing activities aligned with curriculum and standards.
• Prepares the learning environment and materials for program activities.
• Active participation in all daily activities with children.
• Communicates with families, team members, supervisors, and other staff.
• Maintains health and safety of children and supports instruction.
• Supervises and guides the Teacher Associate I in the instructional process.

Skills

Communication skills

Planning & organization

Creativity and resourcefulness

Positive relationships with families

Education

GED or High School diploma

Associate degree in ECE or related

CDA/CCP/Group Teacher certificate

Pediatric First Aid/ CPR AED

NJCCIS registry active within 30 days

Job description

Overview

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.

The Teacher Associate II is responsible for maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment in accordance with all curriculum and program established standards. The Teacher Associate II acts as a lead or support, depending on their primary learning environment assignment.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Teacher Associate II at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assists the Teacher and guides the Teacher Associate I in implementing both long and short-range activities in accordance with educational component plans, curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practices, and program philosophy.
• Prepares the learning environment, setting up interest areas, preparing needed materials and supplies to implement the program curriculum.
• Actively participates in all activities with the children throughout the day.
• Demonstrates the ability to solve problems through expert judgment aligned with early childhood best practices and licensing regulations.
• Assesses and identifies the children's individual and collective learning needs and prepares a plan of instruction that caters to the full ability range in the class.
• 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.
• Assists the Teacher in fostering appropriate skills and social attitudes in the children.
• Ensures the health and safety of the children at all times while maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all the children.
• Supervises, supports, and guides the Teacher Associate I in the instructional process.
• Maintains and meets all educational requirements for 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 the Grow NJ Kids Rating System, Criteria, and Applications.
• Attend and participate 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 2 years of experience in a child care setting or related field.
• A talent for fostering children's appetite for learning.
• Creative and resourceful, combined with strong planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as an in-depth 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:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) or Child Care Professional Certificate (CCP) or Group Teacher Certificate in early childhood or related field, and/or Associate Degree in early childhood education or related field.
• 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).

Starting Minimum Rate

Minimum rate of $23.13 Hourly

Job Posting Disclosure

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. 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.