Early Childhood Teacher

ELMWOOD PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOOL DISTRICT; Elmwood Park (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ELMWOOD PARK BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Relief Teacher to support its preschool program in Elmwood Park, New Jersey. The role involves providing instructional coverage in various preschool classrooms, ensuring adherence to NJ Department of Education standards.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree and a valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate or County Substitute Teaching Credential. Experience with preschool-aged children and effective teaching practices is essential.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with preschool-aged children in a structured setting.
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 lbs as needed.
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and sit at children's eye level for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Implement daily lesson plans aligned with state-approved curriculum.
• Support developmental milestones documentation using Teaching Strategies GOLD.
• Maintain mandatory state ratio and class size limits.
• Facilitate safe and engaging learning environments.
• Communicate effectively regarding student progress and classroom needs.

Skills

Effective teaching practices aligned to NJ Preschool Standards

Knowledge of inclusion teaching practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate (P‑3 Standard, CE, or CEAS)

Job description

Job Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and adaptable Early Childhood Relief Teacher to support our PEA (Preschool Education Aid) funded preschool program. The Relief Teacher provides high-quality instructional coverage in various preschool classrooms for lead teachers during prep periods, breaks, and absences. This role ensures that strict state-mandated adult-to-child ratios are consistently maintained without interrupting the delivery of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum for our 3- and 4-year-old students in full compliance with New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Coverage & Instruction: Step into various classrooms to implement daily lesson plans aligned with our state-approved, evidence-based preschool curriculum in the absence of the lead teacher.
• Curriculum & Assessment Support: Support the lead teacher in documenting developmental milestones using performance-based assessments, specifically Teaching Strategies GOLD, and maintain alignment with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards.
• Ratio Compliance: Work collaboratively with classroom paraprofessionals to seamlessly maintain the mandatory state ratio and class size limits (maximum of 15 students) at all times.
• Inclusive Practices: Demonstrate knowledge of inclusion teaching practices to maintain a learning environment that supports learners of all abilities in collaboration with the Special Education Department and the Preschool Intervention and Referral Team (PIRT).
• Student Engagement & Routines: Facilitate a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Assist with and supervise daily preschool routines, including meal and snack times, rest periods, bathroom breaks, and outdoor gross motor play.
• Collaboration: Communicate effectively with lead teachers, Master Teachers, and administration regarding student progress, behavioral observations, and classroom needs following coverage periods.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

NJ Certification: Must hold a valid New Jersey Instructional Certificate: Preschool through Grade 3 (P‑3) Standard, CE, or CEAS. Alternatively, a valid New Jersey County Substitute Teaching Credential is the minimum requirement for a relief role.

Experience: Prior experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 34) in a structured early childhood educational setting.

Knowledge Base

• Strong knowledge of effective teaching practices aligned to the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards.
• Familiarity with NJ's Quality Improvement Rating Program (Grow NJ Kids).

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and sit at the children's eye level for extended periods.
• Ability to safely lift up to 40 lbs as needed in an active early learning environment.