Lead Teacher

Learning Tree Academy; Wood-Ridge (NJ); On-site; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Company parties

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Training & development

Supportive work environment

Child Care Discount

Paid Training Hours

PTO, Holidays, No Weekends

Advancement Opportunities

Job summary

Learning Tree Academy is seeking an energetic lead teacher in New Jersey who loves working with children and can develop engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum. You will collaborate with faculty to create a nurturing classroom and build strong relationships with families.

The role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to support staff and ensure licensing compliance, health and safety, and inclusive practices in daily activities.

Qualifications

• CDA credential required or in progress.
• Ability to pass state and federal background checks.
• Experience as a teaching assistant preferred.
• High-energy with a love of working with children.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with state early learning standards.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes development.
• Maintain compliance with NJ GROW Kids quality standards and required documentation.
• Complete ongoing child assessments and maintain records of progress.
• Build positive relationships and communicate regularly with families.
• Support daily routines including meals, rest, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Assist with potty-training plans in partnership with families.
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation procedures at all times.
• Maintain organized, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Supervise children during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and training.
• Collaborate with director and staff to meet program goals and licensing requirements.
• Foster an inclusive classroom that respects diversity.

Skills

High-energy

Organized

Detail-oriented

Communication with families

Creative thinking

Education

CDA

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Company parties
• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Supportive work environment: We foster a supportive work environment that values teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of enjoyment, creating a vibrant and enriching experience for our children.
• Child Care Discount: We understand the importance of affordable childcare, and as an employee, you'll enjoy a significant discount on childcare services for your own children.
• Paid Training Hours: We invest in your professional development and provide paid training hours to enhance your skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
• PTO, Paid Holidays, No Weekends: Take advantage of paid time off to relax, rejuvenate, and spend quality time with loved ones. Enjoy your holidays off and rest easy knowing you won't be required to work on weekends.
• Advancement Opportunities: We believe in promoting from within and providing opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to build a fulfilling career in early childhood education.

About Our School

At Learning Tree Academy, we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can explore, learn, and develop foundational skills. Our school is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of childcare, and we take pride in creating a supportive and enriching atmosphere for both children and their families. We value the importance of building strong relationships, promoting a sense of belonging, and celebrating the unique qualities of each child. Join our team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.

Job Summary

We are looking for an energetic lead teacher to join our team! We want someone passionate about learning and who loves working with children. You must have strong creative and organizational skills and can connect with individual students. You need to be able to develop strong relationships with faculty to create an engaging learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with state early learning standards.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
• Maintain compliance with GROW NJ Kids quality standards, including documentation, assessments, classroom observations, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Complete ongoing child assessments and maintain accurate records of children's progress.
• Build positive relationships and communicate regularly with families regarding children's development, classroom activities, and individual needs.
• Support and assist children with daily routines, including meals, rest time, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Help with implementing individualized potty‑training plans in partnership with families while maintaining a respectful, sanitary, and encouraging approach.
• Ensure proper health, safety, and sanitation procedures are followed at all times.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Supervise children at all times, including during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Collaborate with the director and teaching staff to support program goals and maintain licensing compliance.
• Foster an inclusive classroom that respects and celebrates diversity and meets the needs of all learners.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program.

Qualifications

• CDA
• Ability to pass a state and federal background check
• A year of previous teaching assistant experience preferred
• High-energy with a love of working with children
• Organized and detail‑oriented

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.