Preschool Teacher

Summary Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher to join our growing school community. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early childhood education, values child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. Duties Classroom Leadership Lead and manage the daily classroom, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day Establish consistent routines and clear classroom expectations Create a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident Curriculum & Lesson Planning Implement Creative Curriculum studies through developmentally appropriate, play-based activities supporting cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth Incorporate age-appropriate Islamic values, character lessons, and faith-based learning into daily routines and activities Plan first-hand experiences that build children's independence and self-help skills Align lessons with the New Jersey State Early Learning and Development Guidelines Submit weekly theme-based curriculum plans to the Director Child Development & Guidance Support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles Observe and document children's growth, sharing experiences with families throughout the day Classroom Environment Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers Organize, set up, and put away materials and supplies before and after class Family Communication Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, and parent-teacher conferences Address concerns professionally and participate in school events Staff Collaboration Guide and support the assistant teacher; delegate classroom responsibilities effectively Collaborate with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism Health & Safety Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations Maintain accurate attendance and incident documentation Professional Responsibilities Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings Follow a personal professional development plan for continuous growth Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Requirements Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field Minimum 2 years of classroom experience with children ages 2½-5 Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and play-based learning Strong classroom management skills Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans independently Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ licensing requirements Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day Nice To Haves Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field Prior experience as a Lead Teacher or in a supervisory classroom role Experience with Creative Curriculum Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms Knowledge of New Jersey State Early Learning and Development Guidelines Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and integrate faith into the classroom Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge appropriate for early childhood instruction Benefits Paid school holidays (following the school calendar) Summer break (school-year position) Consistent Monday-Friday schedule, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM No evening or weekend hours Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County) Faith-centered work environment Paid professional development opportunities and trainings Support for continuing education in early childhood CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture Supportive administration and engaged parent community Meaningful, mission-driven work