Support the head teacher in implementing a child-centered, emergent curriculum and maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom environment. Develop positive relationships with children to enhance their emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth.
The Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is a 501c3 not for profit social service agency serving Tenafly, NJ and surrounding areas.
Among the largest JCCs in North America with an operating budget of $20 million, 150 full time and 300+ part time staff, the Kaplen JCC operates 22 business units and offers over 350 activities weekly serving more than 5,000 people per day.
Deeply rooted in Jewish values and tradition, the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is a vibrant home for the Jewish People that welcomes all and cultivates the social, intellectual, physical and spiritual well-being of the entire community.
Our 185,000 square foot building plus acres of outside grounds feature two fitness centers, an indoor and outdoor aquatics center, group exercise, spin and pilates studios, two gymnasiums, tennis and racquet courts, indoor track, a luxurious spa, multiple playgrounds and fields and so much more.
The JCC is proud to offer extensive, high-quality programs and services to youth and adults of all ages and of all needs.
The Leonard and Syril Rubin Nursery School at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades is looking to creative, enthusiastic, and dedicated Early Childhood Assistant Educators to create a loving, nurturing, and safe learning environment for children and their families. Our teachers have the qualifications, dispositions, knowledge, dedication to learning, and professional commitment necessary to support children and their families through their experiences at our school. Our school is open year-round and is comprised of 20 plus classrooms with students ranging from three months old through five years olds.
Ability to work effectively, individually and as part of a teaching team. Develop a positive relationship with each child, through observation and learning experience, helping to enhance his/her development and growth. Support the head teacher in implementing developmentally appropriate experiences for the class that align to our school’s philosophy of a child centered, emergent curriculum that allows for constructivist learning. Support the head teacher in maintaining a safe, inviting, and appropriate classroom environment. Create a learning environment that provides emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth in children. Good communication skills with colleagues, students and parents. Attend and participate in all staff meetings, including age level meetings, teaching team meetings, and full staff meetings.
High School diploma or GED required. Child Development Associates (CDA) or a bachelor’s degree preferred. Knowledge of growth and development of young children including developmentally appropriate practice, emergent curriculum, and constructivist learning preferred. The classroom is a fast-paced environment, and assistant teachers should have the ability to actively participate in children’s play and care, including high mobility, standing, walking, bending, and sitting on the floor. Must be able to lift and carry young children. Salary is commensurate with previous Early Childhood experience and educational background. Hiring is subject to completion of a background check, fingerprinting, criminal history record information, and child abuse record information check.
No headhunters or recruitment firms please. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of this institution to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status or status within any other protected group.
A high school diploma or GED is required, while a CDA or bachelor's degree is preferred. Candidates must be physically capable of high mobility and lifting young children in a fast-paced environment.
Market context
In New Jersey, early childhood assistant educator roles are often driven by ongoing staffing needs in childcare centers and preschool settings. These positions can be competitive because employers look for candidates who can support active classrooms, handle high mobility and lifting demands, and bring preferred credentials such as a CDA or bachelor’s degree. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare openings, then tailor your application to highlight child-care experience, physical readiness, and any credential progress.
