Daycare Worker

Early Childhood Teacher — Full-Time or Part-Time

About Sandy Hook Child Care Center

Sandy Hook Child Care Center is a small, nature-based childcare center located within Sandy Hook National Recreation Area in Highlands, New Jersey. Our close-knit program serves children from infancy through Pre-K, with an emphasis on learning through play, outdoor exploration, and meaningful relationships.

With small class sizes and the natural environment of Sandy Hook right outside our doors, our teachers have a unique opportunity to spend their days exploring, learning, and growing alongside the children in their care.

We are currently looking for full-time and part-time teachers, as well as individuals interested in joining our team as part-time substitutes.

Experience in early childhood education is preferred, but we are happy to train the right person. More than anything, we are looking for someone who is warm, patient, reliable, engaged, and genuinely enjoys working with young children.

Responsibilities:

• Provide warm, attentive, and developmentally appropriate care for children from infancy through preschool age
• Actively supervise children and maintain a safe, nurturing environment at all times
• Engage with children through play, conversation, outdoor exploration, and age-appropriate learning experiences
• Assist in planning and implementing daily activities under the direction of the Executive Director and lead teachers
• Help prepare classroom learning environments, activities, materials, and supplies
• Support children's social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development through positive interactions
• Respond thoughtfully to the individual needs of children throughout the day
• Assist with daily caregiving routines, including meals, diapering, toileting, handwashing, rest periods, and transitions as appropriate
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe classroom and shared spaces
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with children, families, and fellow staff members
• Follow all Center policies, licensing requirements, safety procedures, and mandated reporting requirements
• Participate in outdoor activities and excursions throughout Sandy Hook

What We're Looking For

• A warm, friendly, patient, and dependable person who genuinely enjoys working with young children
• Ability to maintain a consistent and reliable work schedule
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a small team
• Good judgment and the ability to follow established policies and procedures
• Ability to respond calmly and appropriately to the changing needs of children and the classroom
• Willingness to spend significant time outdoors throughout the year
• Previous experience in a childcare center, preschool, nannying, babysitting, camp, education, or another child-focused setting is preferred, but not required for the right candidate
• Must meet all applicable New Jersey childcare licensing requirements
• Fingerprinting and background check required prior to employment

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on position. Applicants should be able to:

• Lift up to 40 lbs.
• Bend, kneel, sit on the floor, reach, and move throughout the day
• Climb stairs
• Participate in walks and outdoor activities with children
• Work outdoors in a variety of seasonal conditions

Schedule

We are currently considering candidates for:

• Full-time teacher positions
• Part-time teacher positions
• Part-time/substitute positions

Our Center is open Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM. Specific schedules and hours will vary depending on the position.

Why Work With Us?

• Small class sizes
• Nature-based, play-focused learning
• A close-knit childcare community
• Competitive wages
• PTO for eligible employees
• Full-time and part-time opportunities
• A truly unique work environment within Sandy Hook National Recreation Area
• Opportunities to spend your workday outdoors, exploring and learning alongside children

If you’re looking for a childcare position where you can build meaningful relationships with children, be part of a small and supportive community, and spend plenty of time outside, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply: Please submit your resume through Indeed. A brief note telling us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in working with Sandy Hook Child Care Center is always welcome.

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person