Preschool Assistant Teacher
hace 24 días
Weehawken
Job Description About This Role At Serenity Islamic School, we are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Preschool Assistant Teacher to join our community in Rockaway, NJ. As an educator who is passionate about early childhood education and values child-centered learning, you will be part of a team that creates a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. You will work closely with our Lead Teacher to support a calm and joyful classroom, helping to nurture each child's growth in faith, character, and learning. What You'll Do Supporting a Positive Classroom Environment • Assist the Lead Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development in children, • Participate in planning and implementing daily routines, lessons, and activities that align with Creative Curriculum and Islamic values, • Model Islamic manners and character throughout the day, promoting a positive and respectful classroom culture, • Take on leadership roles in leading small groups, transitions, or full-group activities as directed by the Lead Teacher Supporting Child Development and Guidance • Contribute to children's growth and development through positive behavior guidance, redirection, and encouragement of independence, problem-solving, and self-help skills, • Engage with children during activities to extend learning through conversation and play, while observing and sharing notable moments or concerns with the Lead Teacher, • Prepare materials and set up learning centers under the Lead Teacher's direction, ensuring a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment, • Support snack, mealtime, restroom routines, and rest time, maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all children Family and Professional Responsibilities • Maintain professionalism in all interactions with families, responding to their inquiries and concerns in a timely and respectful manner, • Arrive on time and prepared for the school day, attending staff meetings and trainings to stay updated on school policies and procedures, • Pursue ongoing growth in early childhood education, exploring new ideas and strategies to enhance teaching and learning, • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times, upholding the school's high standards and expectations Requirements • Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ licensing requirements, • Genuine love for working with young children, • Ability to follow direction, take initiative, and work collaboratively with a Lead Teacher, • Strong verbal communication skills with children, families, and colleagues, • High school diploma or equivalent, • Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification, • Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment, • Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day, • Patience, warmth, and a calm presence Nice To Haves • Familiarity with play-based or Reggio-inspired learning, • Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and support faith-based learning, • Prior experience in a preschool, daycare, or early childhood classroom, • Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms, • Some college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or CDA credential), • 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