Preschool Teacher

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF TREN; New Jersey; On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Capital Area YMCA Preschool in Trenton, NJ is seeking a passionate Preschool Teacher to guide 3- to 5-year-olds using Creative Curriculum and SEL standards. You will develop engaging lessons and monitor student progress throughout the year.

You will collaborate with parents, caregivers, and educators to support each child's development and well-being, ensuring a safe, inclusive classroom and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of curriculum development and lesson planning for preschoolers.
• Experience with diverse settings (daycare, private schools, special ed).
• Familiarity with behavior management and child development principles.
• Excellent communication with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Ability to implement early intervention strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans aligning with standards.
• Create a safe, welcoming classroom environment inclusive to all.
• Manage classroom behavior while promoting positive interactions.
• Conduct assessments to monitor progress and adjust strategies.
• Collaborate with parents and educators to support each child.
• Provide care for children and toddlers ensuring safety throughout the day.
• Engage in ongoing professional development in early childhood education.

Skills

Curriculum development

Lesson planning

Behavior management

Communication skills

Early intervention

Literacy instruction

Math concepts

Physical education activities

SEL standards

Education

P-3 Standard Certificate

CEAS

CE

Job description

Job Description

Job post summary

Date posted: January 8, 2026

Job description:

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education and a commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. This role involves developing and implementing engaging curricula that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of preschool-aged children. As a district contracted preschool, teachers use Creative Curriculum to guide and document learning throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that align with educational standards and promote literacy, math, and physical education.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Manage classroom behavior effectively while promoting positive interactions among students.
• Conduct assessments to monitor student progress and adapt teaching strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with parents, caregivers, and other educators to support each child's development and well-being.
• Provide care for children and toddlers, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the day.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of curriculum development and lesson planning tailored to preschool-aged children.
• Experience working with children in various settings, including daycare, private schools, or special education environments.
• Familiarity with behavior management techniques and childhood development principles.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with students, parents, and colleagues effectively.
• Ability to implement early intervention strategies for children who may need additional support.
• Proficiency in teaching literacy, math concepts, and physical education activities suitable for young learners.
• Experience with standardized testing methods relevant to early childhood education is a plus.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and SEL focused standards is advantageous. Join us in shaping the future of our young learners by providing them with the foundational skills they need for lifelong success!

Position Requires: P-3 Standard Certificate, CEAS, or CE.

The Teacher is responsible for the overall supervision and education of children ages 3-5 years old in state-contracted preschool classroom under the direction of the Capital Area YMCA in partnership with the Trenton Board of Education.

The Capital Area YMCA Preschool agrees to take reasonable steps to:

• Ensure availability of adequate resources and incentives for the creation and maintenance of an innovative and highly successful preschool;
• Provide a constructive environment in which the Teacher can grow professionally;
• Meet periodically on a schedule established by the Preschool to accomplish said reasonable steps.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times;
• Establish and maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing classroom environment with age-appropriate learning materials that are complimentary to the Creative Curriculum;
• Prepare and post weekly lesson plans and submit student learning documentation in conjunction with the Teacher Assistant through the TS Gold portal and on Class Dojo;
• Submit weekly lessons plans electronically to the Director;
• Arrange the classroom according to Creative Curriculum standards –post all required planning boards and charts (i.e. job charts, daily schedule, pictures, etc.)
• Assume equal share of the classroom housekeeping chores. Work as partners with the Teacher Assistant;
• Keep classroom, storage closets, and bathroom clean, neat and organized at all times;
• Create and implement activities which address the needs of the children individually and as a group;
• Hold weekly team meetings with the Teacher Assistant to address needs or concerns of the classroom;
• Create a classroom that reflects the cultural diversity of the group;
• Be ECERS (Classroom Rating Scale) and ESI (Student Assessment) knowledgeable;
• Treat each child, co-worker and parent with dignity and respect;
• Attend all staff meetings, in-services, and any other required meetings. Attend at least eight (8) hours of continuing education workshops per school year;
• Attend