Teacher Assistant - Infant

Cadence Education; Cedar Knolls (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Life insurance

Pet insurance

Health insurance

On-demand pay

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Cadence Education welcomes a Preschool Teacher Assistant to join our nurturing classroom in New Jersey. Under the direction of the School Director and Lead Teacher, you will support daily activities, implement Cadence Education programs, and ensure a safe, engaging environment that supports children’s developmental needs, including those with IEPs.

This role emphasizes teamwork, flexibility, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Must meet state licensing qualifications for a Teacher Assistant.
• State requirements may include background checks and health screenings.
• CDAs are preferred but not required if state criteria are met.

Responsibilities

• Support a positive and respectful classroom environment, treating each child with care.
• Greet children and families daily and help build welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs.
• Support curriculum planning and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence-approved tools.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual and report incidents.
• Assist with managing escalated child behaviors per Cadence procedures.
• Adhere to Cadence Education policies in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings and professional development, possibly outside regular hours.

Skills

Safety procedures adherence

Team collaboration

English communication

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in ECE (preferred)

Job description

• Support a positive and respectful classroom environment, ensuring each child is treated with care, dignity, and respect.
• Greet children and families daily and help build professional, welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to individual developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including following IEPs and behavioral support plans as directed.
• Support classroom staff with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence‑approved tools.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual, including documenting and reporting accidents and incidents according to policy.
• Assist with managing, documenting, and reporting escalated child behaviors in accordance with Cadence procedures.
• Adhere to all Cadence Education policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What You’ll Do

• Support a positive and respectful classroom environment, ensuring each child is treated with care, dignity, and respect.
• Greet children and families daily and help build professional, welcoming relationships.
• Assist in recognizing and responding to individual developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including following IEPs and behavioral support plans as directed.
• Support classroom staff with planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum and Cadence Signature Programs.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families, coworkers, and leadership using Cadence‑approved tools.
• Follow the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual, including documenting and reporting accidents and incidents according to policy.
• Assist with managing, documenting, and reporting escalated child behaviors in accordance with Cadence procedures.
• Adhere to all Cadence Education policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a classroom team.
• Ability to read, write, and speak effectively in English.

Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred, but not required if state licensing requirements are met.

Experience

• Must meet minimum experience and education requirements for the state of employment.
• Prior early childhood or classroom experience is preferred.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet all state licensing qualifications for a Teacher Assistant in a licensed childcare center.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are satisfied.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential. Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.
• Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight‑hour shifts.
• Daily start and end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

We’re hiring a Preschool Teacher Assistant!

If you love working with young children and have experience in childcare, daycare, or early childhood education, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while supporting a fun, engaging classroom environment.

Why Cadence Education?

Cadence Education is dedicated to creating bright futures for children, families, and educators. We offer a research‑based curriculum in warm, home‑like environments and foster a collaborative, supportive culture where team members can grow and thrive.

About the Role

Under the direction of the School Director and classroom leadership (Lead Teacher or Teacher), the Teacher Assistant supports daily classroom activities and the implementation of Cadence Education programs. This role helps maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, developmental, and behavioral needs, including those with IEPs, while ensuring safety and licensing compliance.

Why This Role is a Total Blast

• Start TODAY Jump in and start making a difference now! - Hourly pay range $16.85 - $19.85
• Awesome Benefits (Full-Time Assistants)
  • Competitive pay + on-demand pay with UKG Wallet—access your earnings anytime!
  • 50% childcare tuition discount—a sweet deal for your own little ones!
  • 401(k) with employer match to secure your future.
  • Amazing perks Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and even pet insurance!
  • Paid time off that grows with seniority, paid holidays, and company-paid life insurance.
  • Grow Your Way Paid CDA, tuition reimbursement, and professional development to boost your career.
• Live Joyfully We’ve got your back with a supportive team and a culture that champions work-life balance.
• Join a Leader With 340+ schools across 30 states and 30+ years of expertise, Cadence Education is the superstar of early childhood education!