Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher to join our school community, who is passionate about early childhood education, child-centered learning, and creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values.

Classroom Leadership

• Establish consistent routines and clear classroom expectations, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day
• Lead and manage the daily classroom, creating a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident
• Model patience, kindness, and Islamic principles in interactions with children, families, and colleagues

Curriculum & Lesson Planning

• Align lessons with the New Jersey State Early Learning and Development Guidelines, incorporating age-appropriate Islamic values, character lessons, and faith-based learning into daily routines and activities
• Plan and submit weekly theme-based curriculum plans to the Director, incorporating first-hand experiences that build children's independence and self-help skills
• Implement Creative Curriculum studies through developmentally appropriate, play-based activities supporting cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth

Child Development & Guidance

• Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles, supporting each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• 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, organizing, setting up, and putting away materials and supplies before and after class

Family Communication

• Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, and parent-teacher conferences, addressing concerns professionally and participating in school events

Staff Collaboration

• Guide and support the assistant teacher; delegate classroom responsibilities effectively, collaborating with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism

Health & Safety

• Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety, following all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations, and maintaining accurate attendance and incident documentation

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings, following a personal professional development plan for continuous growth, and maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times

• Minimum 2 years of classroom experience with children ages 2½–5
• Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans independently
• Strong classroom management skills
• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ licensing requirements
• Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification
• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and play-based learning
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day
• Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
• Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children

• Knowledge of New Jersey State Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge appropriate for early childhood instruction
• Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and integrate faith into the classroom
• Prior experience as a Lead Teacher or in a supervisory classroom role
• Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Experience with Creative Curriculum

• 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