Lead Teacher (2-3 years old) The Anchored School The Anchored School is seeking a knowledgeable, dedicated Lead Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate will be committed to nurturing and supporting children ages 2-4 through developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) that promote their social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and academic development. Please apply only if you have a CDA credential or an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. The Lead Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment that supports each child's individual growth and development. The successful candidate will build strong partnerships with families, collaborate with colleagues, and implement a high-quality curriculum that encourages exploration, independence, life skills, and school readiness. Responsibilities Child Development & Learning Promote children's development and learning through Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). Plan, implement, and assess engaging learning experiences that support the child's overall development. Utilize project-based learning (PBL) and hands-on experiences to foster curiosity and problem-solving skills. Create an inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates diversity. Classroom Management Establish positive routines, expectations, and classroom procedures. Maintain a nurturing, structured, and responsive learning environment. Foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Assessment & Documentation Observe, assess, and document children's developmental progress and milestones. Use assessment data to inform instruction and support individual learning goals. Communicate children's progress to families regularly. Family Engagement Build strong partnerships with parents and guardians. Provide ongoing communication regarding children's development and classroom activities. Offer support and resources to help families extend learning at home. Health & Safety Maintain a clean, safe, and healthy classroom environment. Follow all state licensing regulations and school policies. Adhere to health, hygiene, food handling, and emergency procedures. Professional Responsibilities Participate in ongoing professional development and training. Collaborate with teaching teams and school leadership. Advocate for children, families, and the early childhood profession. Maintain compliance with all NJCCIS, Grow NJ, and state-required training requirements. Qualifications Required Child Development Associate (CDA), associate degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field. Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with children in a licensed early childhood setting. Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire. Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Ability to sit on the floor, kneel, bend, and actively engage with young children throughout the day. Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities. Application Process Interested candidates should submit: Resume Professional References We will review applications on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Equal Opportunity Employer The Anchored School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all children, families, and employees.