Lead Teacher (Early Childhood)

Children of America, Inc.; New Jersey; On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% Employee Childcare Discount

Internal Career Advancement

Educational Assistance

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships

Employee Referral Bonuses

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Job summary

Children of America, Inc. is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher to join our team in New Jersey. You will lead a dynamic classroom, implement the Mind and Body Matters curriculum, and create a nurturing environment that supports children from 6 weeks to 12 years.

We value professional growth, teamwork, and strong communication with families. Compensation includes $16.00–$17.00 per hour and a 50% employee childcare discount, with opportunities for advancement and benefits.

Qualifications

• CD A or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate daily learning activities.
• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and positive classroom environment.
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities that support children's learning and growth.
• Observe and document children's progress and development.
• Communicate professionally with parents and families.
• Collaborate with management and other teaching staff.

Skills

Communication skills

Organization

Adaptability

Growth mindset

Education

CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Tools

Mind and Body Matters

Job description

Lead Teacher

$16.00–$17.00 per hour | 50% Employee Childcare Discount | Career Growth

Make a difference every day at Children of America!

Do you love working with children and creating an environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive? Children of America (COA) is looking for a passionate and dependable Lead Teacher to join our team.

As a Lead Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the classroom while working alongside experienced educators and a supportive management team. We value your ideas, encourage professional growth, and want you to bring your energy and personality to the classroom.

About Children of America

Children of America is a nationally accredited early childhood education organization with 65+ locations across 18 states.

Our programs serve children from 6 weeks through 12 years, including:

• Infant
• Toddler
• Preschool
• Pre-K
• Before & After Care
• Summer Camp

At COA, we believe that every child deserves a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment-and that our teachers deserve a workplace where they can grow and succeed.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Teacher, you'll be responsible for creating an engaging classroom environment and providing high-quality educational experiences for the children in your care.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate daily learning activities
• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured, and positive classroom environment
• Provide developmentally appropriate activities that support children's learning and growth
• Establish clear and age-appropriate classroom expectations
• Observe and document children's progress and development
• Complete child progress reports and classroom documentation
• Communicate professionally and consistently with parents and families
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow team members
• Respond to children's emotional needs with patience, empathy, and understanding
• Maintain an organized, clean, and engaging classroom
• Collaborate with management and other teaching staff
• Utilize classroom technology to support documentation and communication
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Follow COA policies, procedures, and all applicable state licensing requirements

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an educator who is passionate about children, dependable, creative, and committed to making a difference.

Qualifications:

• CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet all applicable state licensing requirements
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Strong judgment and decision‑making abilities
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning
• Passion for early childhood education

Who You'll Work With

You’ll interact daily with:

• Children
• Parents and families
• Lead and support teachers
• School management
• Regional and operational support teams

We believe that strong communication and teamwork create better outcomes for children and a better experience for everyone.

Why You'll Love Working at COA

We want our teachers to have opportunities to build their careers while doing work they love.

Benefits and perks include:

• $16.00–$17.00 per hour
• 50% Employee Childcare Discount
• Internal Career Advancement Opportunities
• Educational Assistance
• T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Partnerships
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Employee Recognition Programs
• Medical, Dental & Vision
• Life, Accident & Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities

Our Shared Values

Accountability – Take ownership, follow through, and learn from challenges.

Collaboration – Work together to create positive experiences for children, families, and colleagues.

Growth Mindset – See challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.

Integrity – Treat others with respect and make decisions with honesty and professionalism.

Consistency – Provide children and families with dependable, high‑quality care and clear expectations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.

Compensation: $16.00–$17.00 per hour. Final compensation will be based on experience, skills, geographic location, and internal equity. This role may also be eligible for performance-based incentives or other benefits.

Children of America is committed to fair and transparent hiring practices. This job description is intended to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable state‑specific pay transparency requirements.

Children of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.