Preschool Assistant Teacher

Serenity Islamic School; Rockaway (NJ); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Leave

Child Care Discount

Professional Development

Paid school holidays

Daily prayer accommodations

Job summary

The Serenity Islamic School in Rockaway, NJ is looking for a dedicated Preschool Assistant Teacher. This position involves supporting the Lead Teacher in nurturing young children in a faith-centered educational setting.

The ideal candidate will have a love for early childhood education, engage in positive guidance, and contribute to a joyful classroom atmosphere that aligns with Islamic principles.

The role is full-time, with a consistent Monday to Friday schedule and offers benefits including professional development, paid holidays, and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Genuine love for working with young children.
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher in daily routines and activities.
• Support positive behavior guidance rooted in patience.
• Engage with children during play and learning activities.

Skills

Patience

Strong verbal communication

Ability to follow direction

Nurturing demeanor

Respect for Islamic environment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About This Role

Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated Preschool Assistant Teacher to join our growing school community in Rockaway, NJ. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early childhood education, values child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will work alongside our Lead Teacher to support a calm, joyful classroom and help nurture each child's growth in faith, character, and learning.

What You'll Do

Classroom Support

• Assist the Lead Teacher in carrying out daily routines, lessons, and activities
• Help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom atmosphere
• Model Islamic manners and character throughout the day
• Step in to lead small groups, transitions, or full-group activities as directed

Curriculum & Learning

• Support the implementation of Creative Curriculum activities and play-based learning
• Help incorporate age-appropriate Islamic values, character lessons, and faith-based learning into daily routines
• Prepare materials and set up learning centers under the Lead Teacher's direction
• Engage with children during activities to extend learning through conversation and play

Child Development & Guidance

• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles
• Encourage children's independence, problem-solving, and self-help skills
• Observe children and share notable moments or concerns with the Lead Teacher

Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of materials before and after activities
• Support snack, mealtime, restroom routines, and rest time

Family Communication

• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with families

Health & Safety

• Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety
• Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations
• Support attendance and incident documentation as needed

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared for the school day
• Attend staff meetings and trainings
• Pursue ongoing growth in early childhood education
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Genuine love for working with young children
• Patience, warmth, and a calm presence
• Ability to follow direction, take initiative, and work collaboratively with a Lead Teacher
• Strong verbal communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ licensing requirements
• Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day

Nice To Haves

• Some college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or CDA credential)
• Prior experience in a preschool, daycare, or early childhood classroom
• Familiarity with play-based or Reggio-inspired learning
• Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
• Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and support faith-based learning
• Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge appropriate for early childhood instruction

Benefits

• Sick Leave
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Paid school holidays (following the school calendar)
• Summer break (school-year position)
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM
• No evening or weekend hours
• Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County)
• Faith-centered work environment
• Paid professional development opportunities and trainings
• Support for continuing education in early childhood
• CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed
• Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture
• Supportive administration and engaged parent community
• Meaningful, mission-driven work