194 Best paraprofessional Jobs in Westfield, New Jersey (August 2026)

Head Teacher & Teacher Assistant

1 day ago

South Orange

Job Description UPK Partner Site Head Teacher Thelma K. Reisman Preschool at Congregation Beth El Position: UPK Partner Site Head Teacher (Preschool – 3 & 4 Year Old Classroom) About Our School The Thelma K. Reisman Preschool at Congregation Beth El is a warm, nurturing, play-based preschool located in South Orange, New Jersey. For over 35 years, our preschool has provided a welcoming environment where children develop socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically through exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships. We are proud to partner with the local school district to provide a high-quality Universal Preschool (UPK) program. Position Summary The UPK Head Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports the academic, social, emotional, and physical growth of preschool-aged children. The Head Teacher implements the district-approved curriculum while maintaining the warm, child-centered philosophy of Beth El Preschool. This position works collaboratively with teaching assistants, administrators, instructional coaches, specialists, and families to provide an exceptional preschool experience. Essential Responsibilities Classroom Leadership • Plan and implement engaging, play-based learning experiences aligned with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and district-approved curriculum., • Create a nurturing classroom environment that promotes curiosity, independence, creativity, and problem-solving., • Differentiate instruction to meet the developmental needs of all learners., • Observe, document, and assess children's progress using district-approved assessment tools., • Maintain organized, attractive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environments. Child Development • Foster children's social-emotional development using positive behavior supports and the Pyramid Model., • Build trusting relationships with each child., • Maintain continuous supervision and line of sight of children throughout the instructional day., • Collaborate with specialists and support staff to meet individual student needs. Family Communication • Establish positive relationships with families., • Communicate regularly through conferences, written communication, and informal conversations., • Partner with families to support children's learning and development., • Participate in family engagement activities. Collaboration • Work collaboratively with the classroom paraprofessional., • Participate in team meetings and curriculum planning., • Collaborate with instructional coaches, intervention specialists, administrators, and district personnel., • Participate in kindergarten transition activities. Professional Responsibilities • Attend a minimum of five district-required professional development sessions annually., • Participate in coaching and classroom support provided by district instructional coaches., • Maintain accurate attendance, assessment, and classroom documentation., • Follow all NJ Department of Education, Department of Children and Families, district, and Beth El Preschool policies and procedures. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's Degree required., • New Jersey Preschool through Grade 3 (P–3) Certificate, Certificate of Eligibility (CE), Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS), or equivalent preschool certification., • Minimum three years of preschool teaching experience preferred., • Strong knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practice., • Excellent classroom management and organizational skills., • Strong written and verbal communication skills., • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a professional team., • Experience with play-based learning., • Experience teaching in inclusive classrooms preferred. Physical Requirements • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds., • Ability to sit, kneel, bend, and actively engage with young children throughout the day., • Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors. UPK Partner Site Paraprofessional (Teacher Assistant) Thelma K. Reisman Preschool at Congregation Beth El Position: UPK Partner Site Paraprofessional (Teacher Assistant) About Our School The Thelma K. Reisman Preschool at Congregation Beth El is a play-based preschool serving children ages 18 months through five years in a warm, nurturing community. We believe children learn best through meaningful relationships, hands-on exploration, creativity, and joyful learning. Position Summary The UPK Paraprofessional works under the supervision of the Head Teacher to support the daily operation of the classroom and help provide a safe, nurturing, engaging learning environment. The paraprofessional assists with classroom instruction, supervision, routines, and documentation while fostering positive relationships with children and families. Essential Responsibilities Classroom Support • Assist with implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences., • Support small-group and individual instruction., • Prepare classroom materials and learning centers., • Assist with classroom organization and maintenance., • Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Child Supervision • Maintain continuous supervision and line of sight of children throughout the instructional day., • Assist children with daily routines including arrival, dismissal, meals, toileting, rest, and outdoor play., • Support children's social-emotional development using positive behavior strategies., • Encourage independence and self-help skills. Collaboration • Work collaboratively with the Head Teacher., • Participate in classroom planning and daily routines., • Assist with observations and documentation of children's development., • Support inclusive practices and accommodations for children with varying needs. Family Interaction • Greet families warmly., • Communicate professionally with parents under the direction of the Head Teacher., • Help create a welcoming classroom community. Professional Responsibilities • Attend district-required professional development., • Follow all school, district, DOE, and DCF policies., • Participate in coaching opportunities and staff meetings., • Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families. Required Qualifications • High school diploma or equivalent (required)., • Experience working with preschool-aged children preferred., • Warm, patient, nurturing personality., • Excellent communication and teamwork skills., • Ability to remain flexible in a busy classroom environment., • Successful completion of all required state and district background checks and clearances. Physical Requirements • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds., • Ability to actively engage with children throughout the day., • Ability to bend, kneel, squat, sit on the floor, and assist children with daily activities., • Ability to supervise children indoors and outdoors.

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