About This RoleWe 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.
What You'll DoClassroom 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
Requirements- 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
Nice To Haves- 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
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