Lead Preschool Teacher
About This Role
The Orchard School in West Caldwell, NJ is seeking a qualified Lead Preschool Teacher to work with Mixed / All Ages in a center-based, waldorf, other environment. This position requires a willingness to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, with employer support.
The Orchard School is seeking a full-time Lead Preschool Teacher to lead a mixed-age classroom in a play-based, child-centered environment, providing daily instruction and supporting social-emotional development through structured routines and hands-on engagement.
This role requires a reliable, consistent educator who is comfortable working with infants through preschool-aged children and seeking a long-term position within a collaborative school setting.
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM; Pay: $18.00–$20.00 per hour based on education and experience.
We are always accepting applications for this role.
What You'll Do
- Plan and implement daily classroom instruction using Creative Curriculum.
- Support children’s social-emotional development through structured routines, outdoor learning, and hands-on engagement.
- Lead toileting, diapering, and self-help routines, and supervise and actively participate in outdoor play in all seasons.
- Maintain a consistent classroom routine, document student progress and developmental milestones, and communicate with families through daily reports and updates.
- Collaborate with the teaching team to support the classroom environment, and maintain classroom cleanliness and organization.
- Provide daily care for children, including toileting, diapering, and supporting emotional regulation.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including occasional after-school events and meetings.
Requirements
- Ability to lead a classroom independently within 6 months.
- Reliable, punctual, and consistent attendance.
- Basic comfort with technology for communication and documentation.
- Ability to manage a structured classroom and daily routines.
- Comfortable working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
- Willingness to participate in toileting, diapering, and daily caregiving.
- Minimum 1–2 years of classroom experience (early childhood preferred).
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Nice to Have
- Experience in mixed-age classrooms.
- Experience with childcare apps or documentation systems.
- Experience using Creative Curriculum.
- Familiarity with the Creative Curriculum framework.
- Bachelor’s degree (any field).
- CDA or coursework in Early Childhood Education.
- Experience in a play-based learning environment.
Benefits
Common Questions
What ECE credentials are required for this position?
None required but we will support obtaining CDA.
What does this position pay?
This Lead Preschool Teacher role pays $18 to $20/Hr.
Is this full-time or part-time?
This job is Full Time.
Where is The Orchard School located?
The Orchard School is located at 360 Passaic Avenue, West Caldwell, NJ