TEACHER ASSISTANT

Essex County College; Newark (NJ); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick leave

Pension and retirement plans

Tuition waiver programs

Opportunities for professional growth

Job summary

Essex County College seeks a Teacher Assistant to support Group Teachers in daily activities at the Child Development Center. The role requires a High School diploma, CDA certification, and experience with preschool children.

Compensation starts at $30,000 and includes benefits such as health coverage, paid leave, and a pension plan. The position offers professional growth opportunities within a supportive college community.

Qualifications

• Must have CDA certification and experience with pre-school children.
• Effective oral and written communication skills are required.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in planning and maintaining a safe learning environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Maintain communication with parents regarding child development.

Skills

Effective communication

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Reliability

CDA certification

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Credits in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Essex County College Human Resources Department

Below you will find details of this position including documentation that may be required. To bookmark this position, click the Bookmark link. To print a copy of this position, click the Print Preview link.

Under the supervision of the Director of Child Development Center or designee, the Teacher Assistant is to assist one or more Group Teachers with the daily activities of the Center as directed. Please Note: Essex County College does not provide visa sponsorship of any kind. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. Compensation: This position offers a competitive starting salary of $30,000 – $30,375

Benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Pension and retirement plans
• Tuition waiver programs
• Opportunities for professional growth

Be part of a collaborative and mission-driven college community.

Supervisory Role

Oral and written instructions are received from the Director of the Child Development Center, or designee. The Teacher Assistant may supervise student workers.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 1. Assist teachers in planning and maintaining a safe, clean learning environment that assures the safety and wellbeing of the children in his/her care.
• 2. Assist with planning and implementing activities developmentally appropriate and in accordance with the philosophy, practices and curriculum objectives of the Center.
• 3. Maintain on a daily basis open communication with parents. Provide input for bi-annual assessment of children’s development.
• 4. Observe and report any suspect abuse or questionable behaviors and maintain anecdotal records and accident reports in accordance to established policies and procedures.
• 5. Attend in-service and staff meetings. Adhere to professional development requirements of the Center.
• 6. Ensure adherence with applicable licensing regulations, and compliance with institutional regulations, policies and procedures and the Center’s written work plan.
• 7. Ensure adherence with basic principles of early childhood development as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children ( NAEYC ).
• 8. Maintain strict confidentiality and security of student, staff, children and client records.
• 9. Prepare routine, special and ancillary reports as required.
• 10. Perform other related duties as required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand and walk/move from place to place for required periods of time.
• Move between buildings.
• Speak and hear, communicate using telephone and/or walkie talkie.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, including but not limited to, computers, keyboards, telephones, calculators, and controls.
• Bend, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift.

Additional Requirements

• 1. Ability to work an extended schedule, including evenings and weekends, according to demands of the role and tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1. High School diploma or equivalent.
• 2. Child Development Associate ( CDA ) certification.
• 3. Experience working with pre-school children.
• 4. Must demonstrate a high degree of reliability and flexibility.
• 5. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• 6. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• 7. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Education Requirements

Education Requirements High School Diploma

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver’s license, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications

• 1. Earned credits or current enrollment in college courses in Early Childhood Education or related area.
• 2. Demonstrated knowledge of the basic principles of early childhood development as defined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children ( NAEYC ).

Education Requirements

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver’s license, etc.)

Posting Information

Open Date

Open Date 08/25/2026

Open Until Filled No

Close Date

Close Date 06/30/2027

Special Instructions Summary

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Essex County College is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).