Preschool Educator

Inspired Education; Toms River (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Happy Days Preschool in Toms River, NJ seeks a dependable Lead Assistant Teacher to join our caring team. You will work with the Lead Teacher to deliver safe, structured, and engaging activities, while supporting families and maintaining the center’s warm environment.

Ideal candidates have prior childcare experience, strong communication, and the ability to lead the classroom when needed. This full-time role runs 6:30 AM–6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 40-hour work week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous professional childcare experience in a center setting is required.
• Dependable, punctual, professional, and team-oriented.
• Ability to supervise young children and maintain ratios.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with daily routines and lesson implementation.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Supervise children and maintain proper classroom ratios.
• Support age-appropriate learning activities and play.
• Assist with meals, diapering, toileting, naps, and hygiene routines.
• Follow schedules, policies, licensing requirements, and health and safety procedures.
• Document daily activities and communicate with families.
• Use Procare Engagement App for communication and documentation.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, staff and administration.
• Assist with classroom setup, cleaning, and supplies.
• Step into leadership when Lead Teacher is unavailable.

Skills

Communication

Classroom management

Teamwork

Child supervision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Procare

Job description

Happy Days Preschool – Toms River, NJ

Full-Time | 40 Hours Per Week

Happy Days Preschool in Toms River is looking for a dependable, energetic, and nurturing Lead Assistant Teacher to join our growing team!

The Lead Assistant Teacher will work closely with the Lead Teacher to provide a safe, structured, engaging, and welcoming classroom environment. This position is ideal for someone with strong childcare experience who enjoys working as part of a team while also being comfortable taking initiative and helping lead the classroom when needed.

Schedule

• Full-time position
• 40 hours per week
• Monday–Friday
• Must have availability within our center hours of 6:30 AM–6:00 PM
• Consistent and reliable attendance is required

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher with daily classroom routines, activities, and lesson implementation.
• Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
• Supervise children closely and maintain proper classroom ratios at all times.
• Support age-appropriate learning experiences, play, art, sensory activities, circle time, outdoor play, and other classroom activities.
• Assist with meals, snacks, diapering/toileting, nap time, handwashing, and other daily care routines as appropriate for the age group.
• Follow all classroom schedules, center policies, licensing requirements, and health and safety procedures.
• Help complete daily classroom documentation and communicate important information regarding children's routines and activities.
• Use the Procare Engagement App to assist with classroom communication and documentation.
• Build positive and professional relationships with children, families, coworkers, and administration.
• Assist with classroom setup, cleaning, sanitizing, organization, and maintaining supplies.
• Step into a leadership role in the classroom when the Lead Teacher is unavailable.
• Communicate classroom needs, concerns, incidents, or changes promptly to the Lead Teacher and Director.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development, school events, and center activities.
• Help create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous professional childcare/early childhood education experience required.
• Experience must be in a childcare center, preschool, early learning program, or similar professional setting.
• Must be dependable, punctual, professional, and comfortable working as part of a team.
• Strong communication and classroom management skills.
• Ability to actively supervise and engage with young children throughout the day.
• Must be able to meet all State of New Jersey childcare licensing and background-check requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.
• Experience with Creative Curriculum.
• Experience using Procare or another childcare communication/management platform.
• Previous experience serving as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Assistant, Group Teacher, or similar classroom role.
• Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, or additional childcare credentials are a plus ….

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is reliable, positive, organized, patient, and genuinely enjoys working with children. Our Lead Assistant Teacher should be someone the Lead Teacher and administration can depend on to help keep the classroom running smoothly, support other staff members, communicate professionally with families, and step up when leadership is needed.