Preschool Teacher

Summary

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

• Sick Leave
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• 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