Head Teacher

The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory; Jersey City (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in New Jersey seeks a Head Teacher to support the Childcare Director in creating a safe, caring environment and to assist in delivering a quality early childhood and school-age program for children in our center.

The role emphasizes collaboration with staff, observation and coaching, developmentally appropriate activities, family engagement, and ensuring compliance with NJ licensing standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or teaching certification in education or child development, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional education experience.
• Ability to work well with others and communicate effectively.
• Capable of lifting 30 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Must pass background checks and health screenings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement activities aligned with state and local standards.
• Collaborate with the Childcare Director to ensure developmentally appropriate daily schedules.
• Maintain accurate records for the childcare center.
• Identify training opportunities to meet Grow NJ Kids standards.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and staff.
• Work with staff to plan classroom activities and transitions for children.
• Plan family engagement initiatives and participate in parent conferences.
• Notify the Director of signs of abuse or neglect.
• Complete required annual training in ECEC per NJ DHS standards.
• Adhere to center policies and procedures.

Skills

High energy

Strong communication

Child development knowledge

Leadership & organizational

Physical capability 30 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree or teaching certification in education/child development

Job description

The Head Teacher supports the Childcare Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. S/he must be able to communicate, listen, and work well with others in a team environment. The Head Teacher will assist the staff in implementing a quality early childhood and school-age educational program and develop positive relationships with the children and their parents. T he Head Teacher will also observe and coach the staff and support family engagement initiatives under the direction of the Childcare Director.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the development and implementation of activities for all children attending the program align with The Salvation Army, NJ Office of Licensing, Grow NJ Kids, and New Jersey School Age Care Coalition standards.
• Collaborate with the Childcare Director to ensure that daily schedules, activities, and the physical environment are developmentally appropriate and conducive to the optimal growth of individual children.
• Assist the Childcare Director in maintaining current and accurate records for the childcare center.
• Collaborate with the Childcare Director to identify, develop, or schedule training or workshops for the staff to meet Grow NJ Kids standards.
• Assist in recruiting and orienting volunteers and teachers, providing them with guidance as needed.
• Work with Teachers, Teacher Assistants, and volunteers to use and develop their skills and abilities in planning and carrying out classroom activities.
• Coordinate the transition of children to different classrooms within the center and, ultimately, kindergarten.
• Plan, discuss, and evaluate the implementation of program activities and lessons by staff members for all groups of children following State requirements, Grow NJ Kids, and NJSACC to promote their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
• Assist teachers in evaluating children’s development and curriculum goals regularly.
• Conduct observations and individual instructional coaching for Lead Teachers to ensure proper curriculum and developmental assessments implementation.
• Establish and document weekly meetings with Lead teachers that cover pertinent information about the program and the children involved.
• Assist with planning and implementing family engagement programs.
• Participate in parent-teacher conferences and parents’ meetings to ensure parents are well-informed of their child’s progress.
• Notify the Director if a child shows any signs of abuse or neglect.
• Maintain positive relationships with others, including cooperative interaction with other staff members.
• Ensure that staff follows center policies and procedures and notify the Director if this is not the case.
• Complete 20 hours of annual training in ECEC as required by the Manual of Requirements for Childcare Centers by the DHS in the State of NJ.
• Any other related responsibilities as requested by the immediate supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Healthcare, Nursing, or other field related to Child Growth & Development, OR Teaching Certification from the Department of Education in Elementary, Nursery School, Pre-School through Third Grade, or Teacher of the Handicapped.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional education experience (classroom teaching experience is preferred).
• High energy and the ability to work well with others.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• An understanding of child development.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Capable of lifting 30 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Infant/Child and Adult CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to attain certificate within 90 days.
• Must clear full criminal background check, CARI check, and fingerprinting.
• Must provide health screening that includes physical and TB results within the first 90 days.
• Must understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.