Preschool Assistant Teacher

Serenity Islamic School is seeking a warm, nurturing, and dedicated Preschool Assistant Teacher to join our growing school community in Rockaway, NJ. We are looking for an educator who is passionate about early childhood education, values child-centered learning, and is committed to creating a positive and engaging classroom environment rooted in Islamic values. In this role, you will work alongside our Lead Teacher to support a calm, joyful classroom and help nurture each child's growth in faith, character, and learning.

Classroom Support

• Assist the Lead Teacher in carrying out daily routines, lessons, and activities
• Help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom atmosphere
• Model Islamic manners and character throughout the day
• Step in to lead small groups, transitions, or full-group activities as directed

Curriculum & Learning

• Support the implementation of Creative Curriculum activities and play-based learning
• Help incorporate age-appropriate Islamic values, character lessons, and faith-based learning into daily routines
• Prepare materials and set up learning centers under the Lead Teacher's direction
• Engage with children during activities to extend learning through conversation and play

Child Development & Guidance

• Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Use positive behavior guidance and redirection rooted in patience, kindness, and Islamic principles
• Encourage children's independence, problem-solving, and self-help skills
• Observe children and share notable moments or concerns with the Lead Teacher

Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and organization of materials before and after activities
• Support snack, mealtime, restroom routines, and rest time

Family Communication

• Maintain professionalism in all interactions with families

Health & Safety

• Directly supervise children at all times to ensure their safety
• Follow all licensing, health, sanitation, and safety regulations
• Support attendance and incident documentation as needed

Professional Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared for the school day
• Attend staff meetings and trainings
• Pursue ongoing growth in early childhood education
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Genuine love for working with young children
• Patience, warmth, and a calm presence
• Ability to follow direction, take initiative, and work collaboratively with a Lead Teacher
• Strong verbal communication skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Comfort with and respect for an Islamic learning environment
• Ability to pass a background check and fingerprinting per NJ licensing requirements
• Current (or willingness to obtain) CPR and First Aid certification
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs, sit on the floor, and remain active with young children throughout the day

• Some college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field (or CDA credential)
• Prior experience in a preschool, daycare, or early childhood classroom
• Familiarity with play-based or Reggio-inspired learning
• Familiarity with Brightwheel or similar parent communication platforms
• Practicing Muslim with ability to model Islamic manners and support faith-based learning
• Basic Arabic or Quran knowledge appropriate for early childhood instruction

• Paid school holidays (following the school calendar)
• Summer break (school-year position)
• Consistent Monday–Friday schedule, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM
• No evening or weekend hours
• Daily prayer accommodations and on-site Masjid (Islamic Center of Morris County)
• Faith-centered work environment
• Paid professional development opportunities and trainings
• Support for continuing education in early childhood
• CPR/First Aid certification provided or reimbursed
• Small, close-knit team with collaborative culture
• Supportive administration and engaged parent community
• Meaningful, mission-driven work