Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education (New Jersey) Lead Learning and Inspire Curiosity We're looking for a creative, hands-on Head Teacher who loves seeing children grow and guiding a team of passionate educators. You'll lead your classroom with energy, empathy, and excellence—fostering a safe, nurturing environment where children and teachers thrive. The Opportunity As Head Teacher, you'll design and deliver engaging learning experiences while mentoring classroom staff and supporting family partnerships. You'll bring curriculum to life and ensure every child feels valued, challenged, and cared for. Key Responsibilities Plan, lead, and implement daily lessons aligned with the NJ Preschool Teaching & Learning Standards . Supervise and mentor Teacher Assistants and Floaters to maintain consistency and quality. Create a classroom environment that promotes exploration, independence, and inclusion. Communicate regularly with parents regarding child progress, milestones, and classroom updates. Maintain accurate attendance, incident, and developmental records. Ensure full compliance with NJ DCF Chapter 52 licensing regulations , including ratios, health, and safety standards. Model professionalism, positivity, and collaboration in all interactions. What You Bring Minimum Qualifications (Required under NJ DCF Chapter 52) Child Development Associate (CDA) or Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development ( Bachelor's preferred ). 2+ years of classroom teaching experience in an early childhood program. Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire). Demonstrated classroom management, curriculum planning, and leadership skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience mentoring teaching assistants or leading a classroom team. Familiarity with Grow NJ Kids Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) . Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills. You'll Thrive Here If You Love creating joyful and meaningful learning experiences. Are dependable, flexible, and organized in a busy classroom environment. Take pride in mentoring and uplifting others. Value teamwork, communication, and creativity. Why This Role Compensation & Benefits (Compliant with NJ Pay Transparency Law)
Hourly Pay:
$18.00 - $20.00 (commensurate with experience and education).
Benefits Include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance options (for eligible employees) Paid Time Off (PTO) and NJ Earned Sick Leave (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year) Paid holidays and professional development days Tuition discount (up to 50%) for enrolled children Annual paid training and certification renewal support
Employment Classification:
Non-exempt, full-time hourly position (approx. 40 hours/week) under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and NJ Wage & Hour Law . The Process We value your time and strive for a transparent, respectful hiring process.
Interview:
20-minute in-person or virtual interview.
On-site Observation Visit Preview:
3-hour supervised classroom observation to experience our culture.
Conditional Offer:
Employment offer extended within 5 business days after the Observation Visit preview. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required post-offer background checks, including the Child Abuse Record Information (CARI) and Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) clearances, Sex Offender Registry check , physical exam, and TB screening in compliance with
N.J.A.C. 3A
52-4.5 . Legal & Compliance Statement World of Wonder Early Learning Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for applicants with disabilities under the ADA and NJ LAD.
Pay:
$18.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: No more than 40.0 per week