Preschool Teacher in Trenton, New Jersey at YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF TREN

Date posted: January 8, 2026

Job description:

Overview
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Preschool Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in early childhood education and a commitment to fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. This role involves developing and implementing engaging curricula that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of preschool-aged children. As a district contracted preschool, teachers use Creative Curriculum to guide and document learning throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans that align with educational standards and promote literacy, math, and physical education.
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment that encourages exploration and learning.
• Manage classroom behavior effectively while promoting positive interactions among students.
• Conduct assessments to monitor student progress and adapt teaching strategies as needed.
• Collaborate with parents, caregivers, and other educators to support each child's development and well-being.
• Provide care for children and toddlers, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the day.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of curriculum development and lesson planning tailored to preschool-aged children.
• Experience working with children in various settings, including daycare, private schools, or special education environments.
• Familiarity with behavior management techniques and childhood development principles.
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with students, parents, and colleagues effectively.
• Ability to implement early intervention strategies for children who may need additional support.
• Proficiency in teaching literacy, math concepts, and physical education activities suitable for young learners.
• Experience with standardized testing methods relevant to early childhood education is a plus.
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum and SEL focused standards is advantageous. Join us in shaping the future of our young learners by providing them with the foundational skills they need for lifelong success!

Position Requires: P-3 Standard Certificate, CEAS, or CE.

The Teacher is responsible for the overall supervision and education of children ages 3-5 years old in state-contracted preschool classroom under the direction of the Capital Area YMCA in partnership with the Trenton Board of Education.

The Capital Area YMCA Preschool agrees to take reasonable steps to:

1. Ensure availability of adequate resources and incentives for the creation and maintenance of an innovative and highly successful preschool;

2. Provide a constructive environment in which the Teacher can grow professionally;

3. Meet periodically on a schedule established by the Preschool to accomplish said reasonable steps.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of the children at all times;

2. Establish and maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing classroom environment with age-appropriate learning materials that are complimentary to the Creative Curriculum;

3. Prepare and post weekly lesson plans and submit student learning documentation in conjunction with the Teacher Assistant through the TS Gold portal and on Class Dojo;

4. Submit weekly lessons plans electronically to the Director;

5. Arrange the classroom according to Creative Curriculum standards –post all required planning boards and charts (i.e. job charts, daily schedule, pictures, etc.)

6. Assume equal share of the classroom housekeeping chores. Work as partners with the Teacher Assistant;

7. Keep classroom, storage closets, and bathroom clean, neat and organized at all times;

8. Create and implement activities which address the needs of the children individually and as a group;

9. Hold weekly team meetings with the Teacher Assistant to address needs or concerns of the classroom;

10. Create a classroom that reflects the cultural diversity of the group;

11. Be ECERS (Classroom Rating Scale) and ESI (Student Assessment) knowledgeable

12. Treat each child, co-worker and parent with dignity and respect;

13. Attend all staff meetings, in-services, and any other required meetings. Attend at least eight (8) hours of continuing education workshops per school year;

14. Attend mandatory parent/teacher conferences twice a year. Provide feedback and examples of children’s work during conferences;

15. Attempt to develop a positive partnership with parents;

16. Use Class Dojo and Ready Rosie to share, inform, and communicate with families daily, weekly, and monthly;

17. Perform other related duties as required.

Performance Assessment

The Director will assess the Teacher’s performance in writing at least once a year. In the assessment of the Teacher’s performance, the Director will compare the teacher’s performance to the list of duties and obligations in the Teacher’s Job Description, and will consider the following:

• Director’s professional observation of the Teacher in line with Best Practices
• Observations of the Teaching Liaison (TL)
• Comments from parents, either verbally or in parent satisfaction surveys
• Observation of the YMCA Management

New Employee Orientation and Prevention of Child Abuse and Harassment Training, CPR and AED certification must be completed within 20 days of employment.

Drug screening and Fingerprinting must be completed before employment.

The Capital Area YMCA is an EEO Employer

We understand and mutually accept the above position description represents our agreement as to the job to be performed.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or higher.

2. Must possess a NJ State Pre-K through 3rd grade (P-3) Standard Teaching Certificate or Certificate of Eligibility (CE or CEAS).

3. Must be at least 21 years of age or older and meet all State of NJ Licensing requirements.

4. Must have the ability to work well with parents and others staff members.

5. Must have excellent oral and written skills.

6. Must possess good classroom management.

7. Must also be able to assess the individual needs of children.

8. Must maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.

9. Must be able to communicate professionally with parents and visitors.

YMCA COMPETENCIES

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

To protect the health and well-being of our children, and to maintain the optimum classroom environment, the Teacher must be able to do the following:

1. Pass the State required physical exam and TB test

2. Lift a child weighing at least forty (40) pounds

3. Sit on the floor with children

4. Take short walks around the neighborhood

5. Chaperone on all field trips

6. Be able to mentally exercise reasonable judgment involving children’s safety in potentially dangerous situations

7. Independently care for the appropriate number of children within staff to child ratio for age group assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person