Lead Teacher- NJ

Children of America, Inc.; Cherry Hill Township (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% employee childcare discount

Career advancement opportunities

Educational assistance

TEACH 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

Job summary

Children of America is seeking a Lead Teacher in New Jersey to create a safe, engaging classroom where children can learn and thrive. The role offers hourly pay between $19.18 and $22.90, plus a generous employee childcare discount and opportunities for career growth.

You will lead age-appropriate activities, implement COA curricula, observe progress, and communicate with families. Strong teamwork and passion for early childhood education are essential.

Qualifications

• CDA or an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must meet applicable state licensing requirements.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth and learning.
• Passion for early childhood education.

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 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 COA policies, procedures, and state licensing requirements.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Planning & organization

Education

CDA or Associate's Degree in ECE

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.