Preschool Assistant Teacher
4 days ago
Weehawken
Job Description Summary Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated Preschool Assistant Teacher to join our growing school community in Rockaway, NJ. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early childhood education, values child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will work alongside our Lead Teacher to support a calm, joyful classroom and help nurture each child's growth in faith, character, and learning. Duties Classroom Support • Assist the Lead Teacher in carrying out daily routines, lessons, and activities, • Help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom atmosphere, • Model Islamic manners and character throughout the day, • Support the implementation of Creative Curriculum activities and play-based learning, • Help incorporate age-appropriate Islamic values, character lessons, and faith-based learning into daily routines, • Prepare materials and set up learning centers under the Lead Teacher's direction, • Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development, • Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles, • Encourage children's independence, problem-solving, and self-help skills, • Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom, • Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of materials before and after activities, • Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety, • Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations, • Arrive on time and prepared for the school day, • Attend staff meetings and trainings, • Pursue ongoing growth in early childhood education, • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent, • Genuine love for working with young children, • Patience, warmth, and a calm presence, • Ability to follow direction, take initiative, and work collaboratively with a Lead Teacher, • Strong verbal communication skills with children, families, and colleagues, • 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 • Some college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or CDA credential), • Prior experience in a preschool, daycare, or early childhood classroom, • Familiarity with play-based or Reggio-inspired learning, • Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms, • Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and support faith-based learning, • Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge appropriate for early childhood instruction Benefits • 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