Preschool Teacher
About This Role
Join Serenity Islamic School @ICMC in Rockaway, NJ as a Preschool Teacher working with Preschool (3–5). The role calls for an active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and offers $20 – $25/Hr to qualified childcare professionals.
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Lead Preschool Teacher to join our school community, who is passionate about early childhood education, child-centered learning, and creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values.
We are always accepting applications for this role.
What You'll Do
Classroom Leadership
- Establish consistent routines and clear classroom expectations, modeling Islamic manners and character throughout the day
- Lead and manage the daily classroom, creating a safe, nurturing atmosphere where children feel respected, loved, and confident
- Model patience, kindness, and Islamic principles in interactions with children, families, and colleagues
Curriculum & Lesson Planning
- Align lessons with the New Jersey State Early Learning and Development Guidelines, incorporating age-appropriate Islamic values, character lessons, and faith-based learning into daily routines and activities
- Plan and submit weekly theme-based curriculum plans to the Director, incorporating first-hand experiences that build children's independence and self-help skills
- Implement Creative Curriculum studies through developmentally appropriate, play-based activities supporting cognitive, physical, and social-emotional growth
Child Development & Guidance
- Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles, supporting each child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
- Observe and document children's growth, sharing experiences with families throughout the day
Classroom Environment
- Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom with prepared learning centers, organizing, setting up, and putting away materials and supplies before and after class
Family Communication
- Communicate with families through informal discussions, Brightwheel, and parent-teacher conferences, addressing concerns professionally and participating in school events
Staff Collaboration
- Guide and support the assistant teacher; delegate classroom responsibilities effectively, collaborating with administration and fellow teachers, modeling professionalism
Health & Safety
- Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety, following all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations, and maintaining accurate attendance and incident documentation
Professional Responsibilities
- Arrive on time and prepared; attend staff meetings and trainings, following a personal professional development plan for continuous growth, and maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times
Requirements
- Minimum 2 years of classroom experience with children ages 2½–5
- Ability to plan, document, and execute weekly lesson plans independently
- Strong classroom management skills
- Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
- Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ licensing requirements
- Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification
- Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and play-based learning
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
- Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day
- Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
- Patience, warmth, and genuine love for working with young children
Nice to Have
- Knowledge of New Jersey State Early Learning and Development Guidelines
- Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge appropriate for early childhood instruction
- Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and integrate faith into the classroom
- Prior experience as a Lead Teacher or in a supervisory classroom role
- Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
- Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
- Experience with Creative Curriculum
Benefits
Common Questions
What ECE credentials are required for this position?
This role requires a CDA.
What does this position pay?
This Preschool Teacher role pays $20 to $25/Hr.
Is this full-time or part-time?
This job is Full Time.
Where is Serenity Islamic School @ICMC located?
Serenity Islamic School @ICMC is located at 1 Mannino Drive, Rockaway, NJ