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MA
Marigold Academy of Princeton
Lead Teacher
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
About Us Marigold Academy is a premier early childhood education provider committed to nurturing the whole child in a safe, engaging, and educational environment. The Academy's philosophy emphasizes fostering creativity, building social and emotional intelligence, and cultivating a lifelong love of learning. Guided by a mission to partner with families in creating a home away from home, Marigold Academy offers a supportive and inclusive community where children thrive.
Job Title:
Lead Teacher Employment Type:
Full-Time Reports To:
Academy Director Position Summary:
At Marigold Academy, our Lead Teachers create nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environments for children from infancy through Pre-K. They lead and mentor assistant teachers, develop curriculum, and ensure the highest standards of safety, education, and care in alignment with Marigold Academy's mission and philosophy. Lead Teachers maintain accurate classroom records, document developmental milestones, and communicate regularly with families about each child's progress. Key Responsibilities- Develops and implements age-appropriate lesson plans aligned with early learning standards.
- Fosters a warm, inclusive classroom where children feel valued and supported.
- Leads and mentors assistant teachers to ensure consistent, high-quality care and instruction.
- Maintains open communication with families regarding child progress and classroom activities.
- Ensures daily compliance with all health, safety, and licensing regulations.
- Observes, documents, and assesses each child's development to inform teaching practices.
- Collaborates with administrative staff to support program goals and curriculum initiatives.
- Participates in mealtime routines by preparing snacks, modeling positive table manners, and supporting children's social and emotional learning during meals.
- Supervises staff and classroom activities to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of each child. Physical Demands & Working Conditions
- Lead Teachers must be able to move or lift average weight as in lifting, carrying and holding children six weeks to five years of age.
- Lead Teachers must be able to stoop, squat, kneel, twist, turn and bend at the level of a child.
- Lead Teachers must be able to sit with children in like sized work and play stations.
- Lead Teachers must be able to sit on the floor unsupported to interact with children. They must also be able to get up from these positions without support.
- Lead Teachers must be able to occasionally perform reaching activities.
- Lead Teachers must be able to stand for prolonged periods of time, as much as 90% of their scheduled time.
- Lead Teachers will be exposed to loud noises.
- Lead Teachers must be able to physically and mentally react and immediately respond to unexpected circumstances that may arise.
- Lead Teachers must be able to concentrate without constant interruption.
- Lead Teachers must be able to attend to tasks/job duties for up to 45 minutes at a time. Qualifications
- CDA, associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field (preferred).
- Minimum of 2 years of classroom experience with infants through Pre-K.
- Experience working with children aged 5 and under in caregiving, teaching, or a certified educator.
- Knowledge of early childhood curriculum development and state childcare regulations.
- Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).