Head Teacher - Early Childhood Education

The Goddard School located at 301 Riverfront Blvd., Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 is seeking an experienced and credentialed Head Teacher to join our leadership and educational team. At our School, we put our teachers first because they put our students first.

About the Role

The Head Teacher will help ensure the delivery of a high-quality early childhood program by supporting curriculum implementation, mentoring classroom educators, monitoring classroom quality, and helping maintain compliance with New Jersey childcare licensing requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced early childhood educator who is ready to expand beyond leading one classroom and make a broader impact throughout the school.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities using our proprietary Wonder of Learning® curriculum.
• Model high-quality teaching practices and maintain a safe, nurturing, structured, and inclusive learning environment.
• Guide, coach, and support Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Resource Teachers in curriculum delivery, classroom management, child development, and professional growth.
• Conduct regular classroom walkthroughs and observations, provide constructive feedback, and work with school leadership to improve teaching quality.
• Support teachers in observing, assessing, and documenting children’s development and using those observations to guide instruction.
• Build positive relationships with families and assist teachers in maintaining clear, professional, and consistent communication regarding children’s progress, classroom experiences, and developmental needs.
• Help ensure classrooms follow health and safety procedures, staff-to-child ratio requirements, supervision standards, and applicable New Jersey childcare licensing regulations.
• Model and reinforce positive guidance strategies that promote children’s social-emotional development, independence, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Assist with teacher onboarding, classroom training, professional-development planning, and ongoing instructional support.
• Work closely with the Director and Assistant Director to address classroom needs, staffing concerns, curriculum priorities, and overall school quality.
• Step into classrooms when necessary to provide instructional support, maintain continuity, and help the school respond to operational needs.

Requirements

Candidates must meet or be able to document the applicable New Jersey Head Teacher qualification requirements under N.J.A.C. 3A:52-4.6. New Jersey recognizes several combinations of education, college credits, and qualifying experience, so applicants may qualify through different pathways.

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or another qualifying child-development-related field
• New Jersey teaching certification in an applicable area, together with the required early childhood education or child-development credits and experience
• Head Teacher endorsement from the New Jersey Workforce Registry or Professional Impact New Jersey
• Another combination of education, ECE or child-development college credits, and full-time qualifying experience accepted under New Jersey licensing regulations
• Prior experience working in a licensed childcare center, preschool, kindergarten, or other qualifying group program serving young children
• Strong knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate teaching practices
• Experience leading, mentoring, or coaching other educators
• Strong classroom-management, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to build professional relationships with children, families, teachers, and school leadership
• Ability to provide official transcripts, credentials, certifications, and employment verification necessary to establish Head Teacher eligibility
• Ability to meet all required background-check, health, training, and licensing requirements
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds in connection with the care and supervision of children

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
• New Jersey Head Teacher endorsement
• Child Development Associate credential
• New Jersey P–3 or elementary teaching certification
• At least two years of early childhood classroom experience
• Previous experience as a Head Teacher, Educational Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Lead Teacher, or instructional coach
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience with teacher observations, curriculum implementation, and staff development

Benefits

• Bonus based on performance
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance

What We Offer

• Supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• A welcoming, team-oriented school culture
• Access to Goddard’s proprietary Wonder of Learning® curriculum
• Paid training and professional-development opportunities
• Competitive compensation based on education, credentials, and experience

Our School offers a premium educational experience in a nurturing, state-of-the-art environment, helping every child become a joyful, confident learner prepared for success in school and in life.