Teacher's Assistant (LJ)

Position Title: Teacher’s Assistant (Leonard Johnson Early Learning Center)

Reports to: Lead Teacher; Director of Early Learning

Location: Englewood, NJ (on-site)

Flsa status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Teacher’s Assistant supports the Lead Teacher in creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for young children. This role assists with the implementation of daily lesson plans, classroom routines, and individualized supports, and contributes to the overall learning, development, and well-being of children in alignment with the center’s philosophy, goals, and policies.

Why this role matters

The Teacher’s Assistant plays an essential supporting role in ensuring high-quality early childhood experiences by reinforcing classroom structure, promoting positive interactions, and helping maintain a stable and engaging learning environment for all children.

Key responsibilities

• Program Operations / Service Delivery
• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing lesson plans, instructional activities, and classroom routines.
• Provide individualized support and accommodations aligned with children’s developmental needs and interests.
• Follow Lead Teacher direction to ensure consistency in instruction, routines, and classroom expectations.
• Engage children in positive and developmentally appropriate interactions that promote learning, play, and social-emotional development.

• Classroom Environment & Safety
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Support health, safety, and supervision practices in compliance with licensing regulations and program policies.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain classroom materials, learning centers, and instructional resources.

• Family/Child Engagement & Communication
• Support the Lead Teacher with family communication, including sharing daily updates and classroom information as directed.
• Attend & provide support for Parent/Teacher conferences
• Maintain professional, respectful, and positive interactions with families.

• Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities
• Collaborate respectfully with Lead Teachers and other staff to support classroom and program goals.
• Attend and actively participate in required staff meetings, trainings, coaching sessions, and professional development opportunities, including Creative Curriculum, Pyramid Model, and other assigned learning initiatives.
• Support TPOT and TPITOS observation processes by assisting with classroom routines and implementing Pyramid Model strategies during observation and coaching activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support effective program operations

Qualifications

• Education
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred.

• Experience
• Experience working with young children preferred.
• Experience in early childhood classroom settings preferred.

• General Requirements
• Ability to work effectively with children, families, and staff in a professional manner.

• Core competencies
• Communication
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Cultural Competence
• Problem-Solving
• Organization & Time Management
• Adaptability

• Technical skills
• Ability to use Brightwheel or other classroom communication systems.
• Basic familiarity with classroom technology and digital communication tools.
• Ability to follow structured instructional and documentation systems.

• Work environment & physical demands
• Classroom-based work with young children.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and floor-level interaction.
• Ability to actively supervise children indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds as needed.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions during outdoor activities.

• Work schedule
• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Schedule varies based on program needs and may include occasional early morning or evening requirements for organizational events, trainings, conferences, or family engagement activities

COMPENSATION • Salary range

• $37,000 (HS Diploma) and $40,000 (CDA, Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree)
• Benefits: health, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, vacation time, sick time
• This position is eligible for professional development opportunities