Head Teacher

The Salvation Army; West Bergen (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in New Jersey seeks a Head Teacher to support the Childcare Director by creating a caring, safe environment for children and assisting in educational activities. You will help implement quality early childhood and school-age programs and build positive relationships with families.

Ideal candidates bring a Bachelor's degree or equivalent teaching certification, at least 2 years of education experience, and strong communication and leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Teaching Certification from DoE required.
• Minimum of 2 years of professional education experience (classroom teaching preferred).
• CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to attain within 90 days.
• Must clear full criminal background check, CARI check, and fingerprinting.
• Health screening including TB results within first 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement activities aligned with NJ licensing and Grow NJ Kids standards.
• Collaborate with the Childcare Director to ensure age-appropriate schedules and environments.
• Maintain accurate childcare center records.
• Recruit and orient volunteers and teachers; coach staff on curriculum and development.
• Plan family engagement programs and participate in parent–teacher conferences.
• Notify Director of any signs of abuse or neglect; maintain positive staff relationships.
• Lead meetings with Lead Teachers to discuss program and child progress.

Skills

Strong verbal and written comm

High energy and teamwork

Leadership and organizational skills

Understanding of child development

Ability to lift 30 lbs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Healthcare, Nursing, or related field OR Teaching Certification

Job description

Overview

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. The 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.