Preschool Educator

Inspired--education; Toms River (NJ); On-site; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Happy Days Preschool in Toms River, NJ is seeking a dependable Lead Assistant Teacher to join our growing team. You will work closely with the Lead Teacher to provide a safe, structured, engaging classroom environment and take initiative when needed.

The role requires strong childcare experience, reliability, and the ability to supervise children, support daily routines, and communicate with families using our center tools like Procare and Creative Curriculum.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous professional childcare/early childhood education experience required.
• Experience in a childcare center, preschool, or similar setting.
• Dependable, punctual, professional and a team player.
• Strong communication and classroom management skills.
• Ability to supervise and engage with young children throughout the day.
• Must meet NJ childcare licensing and background-check requirements.

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, and circle time.
• Assist with meals, snacks, diapering/toileting, nap time, handwashing, and daily care routines.
• Follow schedules, center policies, licensing requirements, and health procedures.
• Complete daily classroom documentation and communicate routines to families.
• Use Procare Engagement App for classroom communication and documentation.
• Build positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and administration.
• Assist with setup, cleaning, sanitizing, organization, and supplies.
• Step into leadership when Lead Teacher is unavailable.
• Communicate needs and incidents promptly to Lead Teacher and Director.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and school events.
• Help create a warm, welcoming environment where children feel safe and excited to learn.

Skills

Strong communication

Classroom management

Teamwork

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR/First Aid/AED certification (preferred)

Tools

Creative Curriculum

Procare or similar platform

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.