Head Teacher & Teacher Assistant

Job Description

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.