Lead Teacher- NJ

Children of America, LLC; Cherry Hill Township (NJ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth opportunities

Educational assistance

50% employee childcare discount

Medical, dental & vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation, sick time & holidays

Professional development opportunities

TEACH scholarship partnerships

Employee referral bonuses

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a passionate Lead Teacher to create a safe and engaging classroom for children from 6 weeks to 12 years across COA locations. You will plan activities, use COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum, and build strong relationships with families.

The role offers growth opportunities, competitive hourly pay, and a supportive team. Ideal candidates hold a CDA or associate degree in early childhood education, have 2+ years of licensed childcare experience, CPR/First Aid,

Qualifications

• Requires CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, age-appropriate daily activities.
• Lead classroom instruction using COA's Mind and Body Matters curriculum.
• Create a safe, nurturing, structured classroom environment.
• Observe and document children's growth and development.
• Communicate regularly with parents and families.
• Collaborate with staff and management to support student success.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Relationship building

Judgment/Decision making

Adaptability

Growth mindset

Passion for ECE

Education

CDA or Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

CPR and First Aid certification

Job description

Lead Teacher
$19.18-$22.90 per hour | Career Growth | Employee Childcare Discount
Bring your passion for teaching to Children of America!
At Children of America (COA), we believe great teachers make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. We are looking for a passionate, dependable Lead Teacher to join our team and create a safe, engaging, and nurturing classroom environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
As a Lead Teacher, you'll have the opportunity to use your creativity, build meaningful relationships with children and families, and grow your career alongside a supportive team of early childhood professionals.
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 value collaboration, growth, accountability, integrity, and consistency. We want our educators to bring their ideas, personality, and passion to the classroom while having the support they need to succeed.
Why You’ll Love Working at COA

• $19.18-$22.90 per hour
• 50% employee childcare discount
• Career advancement opportunities
• Educational assistance
• T.E.A.C.H. scholarship partnerships
• Employee referral bonuses
• Employee recognition programs
• Medical, dental & vision benefits
• Life, accident & disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation, sick time & holidays
• Professional development opportunities
  

What You’ll Do
As a Lead Teacher, you’ll take an active role in creating an engaging classroom where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Your 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 learning experiences for children
• Observe and document children's growth and development
• Complete child progress reports and classroom documentation
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and families
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and fellow educators
• Respond to children's emotional and developmental needs with patience and empathy
• Establish clear, age-appropriate classroom expectations
• Maintain a clean, organized, and engaging learning environment
• Work collaboratively with management and teaching staff
• Use technology and classroom systems to support documentation and communication
• Participate in professional development and ongoing training
• Follow all COA policies, procedures, and applicable state licensing requirements
  

What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an educator who is passionate about working with children and committed to creating a positive classroom experience every day.
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
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to professional growth and continuous learning
• Passion for early childhood education
  

The COA Teacher Experience
At COA, being a teacher means more than following a lesson plan. It's about creating moments that help children feel safe, confident, curious, and excited to learn.
We want educators who enjoy being creative, connecting with children, collaborating with their peers, and making a difference every day.
Our Values
Accountability - Take ownership, learn from challenges, and follow through.
Collaboration - Work together to create positive outcomes for children, families, and colleagues.
Growth Mindset - Embrace opportunities to learn, improve, and develop professionally.
Integrity - Do the right thing and treat others with respect.
Consistency - Provide children and families with dependable, high-quality care and clear expectations.
Ready to Grow Your Teaching Career?
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to join a team where your work matters, your growth is encouraged, and your ideas are valued, we’d love to meet you.
Compensation: $19.18-$22.90 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.
All job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and the submission of the required state documents.