Lead Teacher (LJ)

About the role

The Lead Teacher serves as the primary instructional leader within the classroom and is responsible for creating and sustaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. Utilizing The Creative Curriculum, the Lead Teacher designs, implements, and evaluates comprehensive instructional experiences that support cognitive, social-emotional, language, and physical development. This role exercises substantial professional discretion and independent judgment in curriculum planning and delivery, assessment practices, classroom management, and implementation of individualized learning strategies. The Lead Teacher collaborates with families, Teacher Assistants, specialists, and leadership to support each child’s development, school readiness, and overall success.

The Lead Teacher is a critical driver of high-quality early childhood education at Bergen Family Center. Through intentional instruction, data-informed planning, and classroom leadership, this role ensures children receive equitable, engaging, and developmentally responsive learning experiences that support long-term academic and social success.

Responsibilities

Program Operations & Service Delivery

• Serve as the instructional leader of the classroom, implementing The Creative Curriculum to design and deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with program standards and child needs.
• Exercise independent professional judgment in curriculum planning, instructional delivery, assessment integration, and classroom management to promote strong child outcomes.
• Establish and maintain a safe, inclusive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Differentiate instruction based on developmental observations, child interests, and ongoing assessment data.
• Apply knowledge of early childhood development and evidence-based practices to instructional decision-making.
• Support social-emotional development using Pyramid Model strategies.
• Collaborate with support staff and specialists to address individual child needs and strengthen instructional outcomes.

Assessment & Documentation

• Conduct ongoing observational assessments and developmental evaluations using approved assessment tools to monitor children's growth, inform instructional planning, and support individualized learning goals.
• Analyze assessment data, child progress, and classroom outcomes to inform instructional decision-making, curriculum implementation, and continuous classroom improvement.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date child and classroom documentation in accordance with program requirements.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, training, and performance feedback to Teacher Assistants.
• Foster classroom consistency and teamwork by modeling professional teaching practices, classroom management strategies, developmentally appropriate interactions, and implementation of program standards.
• Collaborate with the Director of Early Learning to strengthen classroom quality, staff development, and program effectiveness.

Family Engagement & Communication

• Maintain consistent, professional communication with families via Brightwheel, conferences, and scheduled meetings.
• Build strong family partnerships by sharing child progress, developmental updates, and learning experiences.
• Partner with leadership and support staff to address concerns related to development, behavior, attendance, or family needs.
• Prepare for and attend Parent/Teacher conferences.

Professional Development & Continuous Improvement

• Participate in ongoing Pyramid Model coaching through Montclair State University.
• Engage in required observations (TPITOS/TPOT) and organization-sponsored professional development to maintain and expand expertise in early childhood education, child development, The Creative Curriculum, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based instructional practices, demonstrating continuous professional growth and reflective practice.
• Apply coaching feedback and professional learning to strengthen instructional practice, curriculum implementation, and child outcomes.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and organizational training activities.

Compliance & Documentation

• Follow all licensing regulations, program policies, procedures, and quality standards.
• Maintain classroom records and documentation in accordance with program, licensing, and funding requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and supervision requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support program operations.

Requirements

Education

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development Associate (CDA) required.
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field strongly preferred.

Experience

• Experience working with young children required.
• Experience implementing curriculum and conducting child observations and assessments preferred.
• Experience utilizing The Creative Curriculum preferred.

Certifications/Licenses

• All state-required clearances, certifications, and trainings must be maintained throughout employment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is performed primarily in a classroom setting with young children.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and sitting on the floor.
• Ability to actively supervise children both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to lift and carry children, classroom materials, and equipment up to 40 pounds.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions during playground and outdoor activities.

Schedule

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Typically, Monday through Friday during standard program hours (with variation based on program needs).
• Attendance at occasional early morning or evening events, conferences, or professional development activities may be required.

Pay

Salary range: $45,500 (CDA/Associate Degree) or $50,000 (Bachelor’s Degree).

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off, vacation time, and sick time.
• Eligible for organization-sponsored professional development and continuing education opportunities.