Toddler Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a caring, energetic, and dedicated Toddler Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate is passionate about working with children ages 15 months to 2.9 years and is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. The Toddler Teacher will support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development while fostering positive relationships with families and fellow educators.

Our teachers play an essential role in helping young children build confidence, independence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and supported.
• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities aligned with the program's curriculum and state early learning standards.
• Support children's social-emotional growth by modeling positive behavior, teaching problem-solving skills, and encouraging independence.
• Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress, maintaining accurate records and portfolios as required.
• Supervise children at all times, ensuring their health, safety, and well-being during classroom activities, outdoor play, meals, rest periods, and field trips.
• Assist with daily care routines, including diapering, potty training, feeding, handwashing, and other hygiene practices while maintaining children's dignity and comfort.
• Prepare and maintain an organized, clean, and stimulating classroom environment with age-appropriate learning materials.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding their child's daily activities, developmental milestones, and classroom experiences.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and administrators to support program goals, classroom management, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain compliance with all licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and center policies.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to remain current with best practices in early childhood education.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Required experience and education to meet the Hiring Requirements as outlined by Early Education and Care
• CPR/First Aid Training/Certification (Re-Certified as Needed)-we can assist with certification if needed
• Ability to successfully pass the background record check requirements and compliance with the understanding that background record checks will need to be completed every 3 years working in Early Education and Care
• Completion of Early Education and Care (EEC) Essentials 2.0 and refreshed annually based on EEC Requirements
• Ability to complete and maintain annual professional development hours (as required by EEC up to 20 hours annually)
• Ability to provide immunization records for MMR, as well as an annual physical exam certifying your ability to meet essential job functions and requirements

PREFERRED

• Child Development Associate (CDA), Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 15 months to 2.9 years.
• Experience working with toddlers in a licensed childcare center, preschool, or early childhood setting.
• Experience using developmental assessments and classroom management strategies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Skills & Competencies

• Warm, patient, and nurturing demeanor
• Excellent classroom management skills
• Creativity and enthusiasm for hands-on learning
• Strong teamwork and collaboration
• Professionalism and reliability
• Effective communication with families and coworkers
• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment

Physical Requirements (Essential)
1.       Occasionally lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs. from the ground to the waist (or slightly above)

2.       Ability to walk and move freely throughout the classroom, outside, and during emergency situations

3.       Occasionally push and pull with arms up to a force of 25lbs (moving furniture, tables, cribs (with or without children), etc.)

4.       Ability to change positions frequently between standing and sitting as required by the needs of the classroom

5.       Ability to squat as required by the needs of the classroom

6.       Ability to repetitively stoop or kneel for an extended period

7.       Ability to bend and twist at waist, bend at knees, and bend at waist for extended periods of time (and repetitively)

8.       Exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises

9.       Ability to hear and respond to children during emergencies and organized play

10.    Ability to speak as it relates to communicating verbally to children, families, staff, and administration

11.    Ability to sit for long periods of time in a chair or on the ground (carpeted or not) during organized and free play with children

12.    Ability to stand/walk for an extended period (inside or outside) as it pertains to supervising children in all areas

13.    Ability to see and respond as it pertains to supervising children and reacting accordingly

14.    Ability to grasp, reach, and manipulate objects with hands for an extended period 

15.    Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) using proper spelling and grammar

16.    Ability to work independently, with or without a second individual in the classroom when ratios allow

17.    Ability to work agreed upon schedule or as business needs require, which can require school events after working hours

18.    Ability to work after hours as needed to respond to families for conferences and Early Intervention groups

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees and children are treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.