Lead Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

The Orchard School is seeking a full-time Lead Preschool Teacher to lead a mixed-age classroom in a play-based, child-centered environment, providing daily instruction and supporting social-emotional development through structured routines and hands-on engagement.

This role requires a reliable, consistent educator who is comfortable working with infants through preschool-aged children and seeking a long-term position within a collaborative school setting.

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; Pay: $18.00–$20.00 per hour based on education and experience.

• Plan and implement daily classroom instruction using Creative Curriculum.
• Support children’s social-emotional development through structured routines, outdoor learning, and hands-on engagement.
• Lead toileting, diapering, and self-help routines, and supervise and actively participate in outdoor play in all seasons.
• Maintain a consistent classroom routine, document student progress and developmental milestones, and communicate with families through daily reports and updates.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to support the classroom environment, and maintain classroom cleanliness and organization.
• Provide daily care for children, including toileting, diapering, and supporting emotional regulation.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional after-school events and meetings.

• Ability to lead a classroom independently within 6 months.
• Reliable, punctual, and consistent attendance.
• Basic comfort with technology for communication and documentation.
• Ability to manage a structured classroom and daily routines.
• Comfortable working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
• Willingness to participate in toileting, diapering, and daily caregiving.
• Minimum 1–2 years of classroom experience (early childhood preferred).
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Experience in mixed-age classrooms.
• Experience with childcare apps or documentation systems.
• Experience using Creative Curriculum.
• Familiarity with the Creative Curriculum framework.
• Bachelor’s degree (any field).
• CDA or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience in a play-based learning environment.

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule
• 10 paid holidays annually
• Scheduled raises after 6 months and annually
• Additional raises with completed credentials
• Support for continued education through Grow NJ Kids