Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discounts
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development

Position Summary


The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for toddlers (typically ages 12 months to 3 years). This role includes planning and implementing curriculum activities that promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth, guiding and supervising assistant teachers, maintaining classroom safety and cleanliness, and fostering strong relationships with children, families, and staff.

Key Responsibilities


Toddler Care & Development

• Provide nurturing, responsive care that meets the individual needs of toddlers, including feeding, diapering/toileting, and rest time routines.
  
  
• Support toddlers emerging independence, self-help skills, and language development.
  
  
• Encourage exploration, play, and problem-solving through age-appropriate, hands-on activities.
  
  
• Observe and document developmental milestones and identify areas that may need additional support.
  
  

Curriculum & Instruction

• Plan and implement daily lesson plans that incorporate music, movement, art, early literacy, sensory exploration, and outdoor play.
  
  
• Use positive guidance techniques to help toddlers develop social-emotional skills and learn to manage emotions.
  
  
• Create learning experiences that encourage curiosity, cooperation, and creativity.
  
  
• Adapt activities to meet the varying developmental levels and needs of individual children.
  
  

Classroom Management

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment that meets state licensing and health standards.
  
  
• Supervise assistant teachers and floaters assigned to the toddler classroom, providing direction, support, and modeling best practices.
  
  
• Rotate and sanitize toys and materials regularly to maintain a healthy classroom environment.
  
  

Family Engagement

• Communicate with families daily about their childs routines, progress, and experiences.
  
  
• Conduct parent-teacher conferences and provide developmental progress updates.
  
  
• Partner with families to support learning and routines at home.
  
  

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate attendance records, daily care logs, and developmental documentation for each child.
  
  
• Ensure compliance with all state licensing requirements, safety protocols, and center policies.
  
  
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
  
  

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
  
  
• Toddler CDA credential preferred or willingness to obtain.
  
  
• At least 2 years of experience working with toddlers in a licensed childcare setting.
  
  
• Strong knowledge of toddler development and positive guidance strategies.
  
  
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
  
  
• Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry children and classroom materials up to 40 pounds.
  
  
• Frequent bending, kneeling, standing, and sitting on the floor.
  
  
• Ability to move quickly and respond to toddlers needs in a busy classroom.
  
  

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor toddler play environments.
  
  
• Energetic, active setting requiring patience, attentiveness, and flexibility.