Prek Lead Teacher

Summary
Lead a classroom of four year old children, working with a Classroom Assistant, to follow The Creative Curriculum and Grow NJ Kids standards, in our fabulous 4-star-rated school. We are a warm and nurturing, family oriented, small private child care center, focused on high quality developmentally appropriate education and care.
This is a unique chance to get a teaching spot at our lovely little school, and to be a part of our dedicated staff of early educators.
This person must be a professional and sensitive individual who is able to relate well to both children and adults. His/her skills must include the ability to create lesson plans and organize the classroom and its staff; assess children's abilities, able to delegate; able to supervise and offer concrete evaluation of staff working with him/her; good communication skills, written and oral; be a good listener. Additional requirements include physical stamina (ability to lift a child up to 45 pounds, and assist in their care and safety), good judgment, and stability.
Must be available to work Monday through Friday, for 30 - 35 hours per week, during any hours the center is open (7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.). We are looking for a minimum job commitment through June 2022, with year-round employment offered in our summer camp (but not required).
Duties

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Plan individual and group age-appropriate activities to actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Take required trainings and follow standards set forth by the Director.

Requirements
The person selected for this position must be professionally prepared as a teacher of young children especially in the field of early childhood education or development, and be able to meet the requirements of the New Jersey licensing agency for Group Teacher.
Must hold at least one of the following:

• CDA Credential (Child Development Associate)
• Associate's Degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education
• Bachelors Degree with NJ P-3 Teaching Certification, or credits in Early Childhood Education

Nice To Haves
Creative Curriculum training and experience, and Grow NJ Kids experience, are a plus, however we are willing to train the right teacher.
Must be willing to take additional training as required by the center. All required training time is paid.
About Us

The Peppermint Tree Child Development Center (www.pepperminttree.com) has been serving the families of Toms River since 1975. We are proud participants in the State of NJ's high quality preschool initiative, Grow NJ Kids, and have achieved a 4-star rating from the state of NJ for our high quality early care and education offerings. We have four classrooms, and a large park like playground. Our facility is cozy, and our dedicated and qualified staff is warm and nurturing. The Peppermint Tree is state-licensed, privately owned, non-sectarian, non-denominational center that offers a program developed for young, inquisitive minds.