Lead Teacher

AACTE Connect360; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

The Learning Experience in Hackensack, NJ seeks a Lead Teacher to guide a classroom serving infants through Pre-K. You will implement curriculum, ensure a safe and engaging environment, and communicate with families to support each child’s growth.

Responsibilities include planning activities, maintaining records, mentoring assistants, and ensuring licensing compliance while upholding high standards of care and education.

Qualifications

• Strong communication with families and children
• Excellent classroom management and organization
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Experience leading a classroom and mentoring assistants

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, engaging classroom where children feel supported and ready to learn.
• Plan age-appropriate learning and play experiences.
• Lead daily classroom operations and manage routines and transitions.
• Maintain lesson plans, observations, assessments, and records.
• Guide and support Assistant Teachers and center staff.
• Communicate with families about children's day, development, and progress.
• Collaborate with teachers and center leadership to ensure quality care.
• Implement LEAP Curriculum and adapt activities to developmental needs.
• Support daily care needs including feeding, diapering, and toileting as appropriate.
• Pursue required training and professional development.

Skills

Communication

Classroom management

Curriculum planning

Child development knowledge

Observation & assessment

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or GED

ECE / Child Development coursework

Job description

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts

Location:

Hackensack, NJ

Pay:

Depending on Experience and Certifications

The Learning Experience is hiring a Lead Teacher to lead a classroom and support the learning and development of infants, toddlers, preschool, and/or Pre-K children.

The Lead Teacher implements curriculum, maintains a safe and engaging classroom, communicates with families, and provides guidance to Assistant Teachers.

What You’ll Do

Inspires Happiness

Create a classroom where children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

• Build positive relationships with children and families
• Plan age-appropriate learning and play experiences
• Support children's social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development
• Encourage curiosity, independence, communication, and confidence

Takes Ownership

Lead the daily operation of your classroom.

• Plan and organize classroom activities, routines, and transitions
• Maintain required lesson plans, observations, assessments, and records
• Monitor individual children's needs and development
• Maintain an organized and prepared classroom
• Guide and support Assistant Teachers

Builds Trust

Develop strong relationships with families and your teaching team.

• Communicate with families about their child's day, development, and progress
• Respond to family questions professionally
• Work collaboratively with teachers and center leadership
• Model positive classroom practices and teamwork
• Support and mentor developing teachers

Drives Operational Excellence

Provide consistent, high-quality early childhood education.

• Implement TLE's L.E.A.P. Curriculum®
• Adapt activities to children's ages, abilities, and developmental needs
• Follow state childcare licensing, health, safety, and supervision requirements
• Maintain required classroom ratios and active supervision
• Support children's daily care needs, including feeding, diapering, and toileting as appropriate
• Participate in required training and professional development

Elevates the Brand

Represent The Learning Experience and provide a positive experience for families.

• Maintain TLE classroom and curriculum standards
• Help families understand their child's learning and classroom experience
• Support family engagement and center activities
• Create a professional and welcoming classroom environment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, unless otherwise permitted by state requirements
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Previous childcare, daycare, preschool, or early childhood education experience required
• Classroom leadership experience preferred
• ECE, Child Development, or Education coursework preferred
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Strong classroom management, communication, and organization skills
• Must meet applicable state licensing, background screening, health, and training requirements

Physical Requirements

This active classroom role requires the ability to supervise children by sight and sound; stand, walk, bend, kneel, and sit on the floor; participate in indoor and outdoor activities; and safely lift up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be available.