Aftercare Teacher - Part-Time

Garden Preschool Cooperative | Jersey City, NJ

Pay: $22–$27/hour, commensurate with experience
Schedule: Approximately 12 hours per week

• Monday & Wednesday: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
• Tuesday & Thursday: 3:00 PM–6:00 PM

Position Term: 10-month position, early September 2026 through mid-June 2027
Location: 242 10th Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 — On-site

About the Role

Garden Preschool Cooperative (GPC), a parent-run, play-based preschool serving Jersey City families since 1995, is seeking a part-time Aftercare Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year.

You'll lead our end-of-day program for a mixed-age group of children ranging from toddlers through elementary age, creating a warm and engaging environment where children can wind down, play, learn, and connect after their school day.

This position works closely with GPC's co-head teachers and is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a small, collaborative, community-oriented school.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities in collaboration with GPC's co-head teachers and in alignment with the school's curriculum
• Prepare classroom spaces and materials for aftercare sessions
• Use creative, hands-on materials and activities to extend learning beyond the school day
• Foster a classroom culture of mutual respect through positive, consistent communication and behavior guidance
• Support children's positive social interactions and conflict resolution
• Maintain the safety and well-being of all children at all times
• Supervise and coordinate with the scheduled Parent of the Day and occasional volunteers
• Communicate proactively with aftercare families regarding pickup, daily updates, and any concerns
• Close, secure, and organize the classroom and school building each evening
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the aftercare program

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who brings warmth, reliability, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm for working with children.

Preferred qualifications include:

• 2+ years of experience in a licensed early childhood setting or equivalent classroom experience
• Experience working with mixed-age groups, from toddlers through elementary-age children, in a team-teaching environment
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, but not required with equivalent experience
• Genuine warmth toward children and a desire to make a positive impact each day
• Strong relationship-building skills with children, families, and colleagues
• Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure
• Strong reliability and sense of accountability
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification
• Willingness to complete a background check and fingerprinting clearance as required by New Jersey childcare licensing

Why Garden Preschool Cooperative?

At GPC, you'll join a close-knit, mission-driven community where families are genuinely invested in the classroom—not simply dropping off and picking up.

You'll have meaningful input into how the aftercare program operates, work alongside experienced co-head teachers, and become part of a Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based approach to early childhood education.

Because we're a cooperative preschool, teachers, families, and staff work together to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our children.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief note describing your experience working with early childhood or mixed-age classrooms.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Garden Preschool Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, disability, sex, color, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression.