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Hugs & Bugs Club
Early Childhood Lead Teacher / Play-Based Educator
Career Insights for Preschool / Childcare Teacher
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Based on New Jersey data
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What they do
A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.
$40,759 / year median in New Jersey
+12% projected growth
Job Description
At Hugs & Bugs Club, we believe childhood should magical. We're a sensory-rich, play-based, child-led early learning studio for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, built around outdoor exploration, creative arts, and hands-on discovery. We're not a sit-still-and-color kind of place — we're a dig-in-the-dirt, finger-paint-your-shirt, follow-the-caterpillar kind of place. We're looking for a Lead Teacher who lights up at the idea of building a whole day around a puddle, and who understands that the best learning often looks like play. Why You'll Love Working Here Creative freedom. You'll help shape activities and lessons, not just follow a script. A team that gets it. Work alongside educators who are just as obsessed with sensory bins and mud kitchens as you are. A joyful, nurturing culture. We show up for kids and for each other, with patience, warmth, and a lot of laughter. Room to grow. Part-time to full-time hours, with opportunities to grow your role as we grow. Purposeful work. Every day, you'll help shape how little humans see the world — through wonder, not worksheets. What You'll Do Plan and lead sensory, artistic, and play-based activities that spark curiosity and joy. Guide children through social-emotional milestones with patience, warmth, and gentle redirection. Keep the classroom safe, clean, welcoming, and full of things worth exploring. Talk with parents daily, sharing the small (and big) moments from their child's day. Get outside — lead nature walks, outdoor play, and exploration rain or shine. Bring your own creative spark to lesson planning and studio life. Join us for full year learning in our school, classes and camps. What We're Looking For A degree or background in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or a related field — or equivalent hands-on experience. Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers in a classroom, camp, or studio setting. First Aid / CPR certification (or willingness to get certified). A genuine passion for sensory integration and child-led learning. Energy, patience, creativity, and zero fear of glitter, mud, or finger paint. Strong communication skills with both little ones and their parents. A team player who brings positive energy into every room they enter. How to Apply Ready to spend your days building forts, chasing bugs, and watching little minds grow? We'd love to meet you. Send your resume and a short note about why play-based learning matters to you to. Hugs & Bugs Club is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive, joyful environment for our whole community.