Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development

At The Midwest Playhouse Learning Center , we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, learning, laughter, and God's love. We are looking for educators who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of children while partnering with families to prepare each child for kindergarten—and for life.

Job Summary
The Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher is responsible for providing exceptional, nurturing care for children ages 6 weeks through 24 months in a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment. This position leads the classroom by creating meaningful developmental experiences, maintaining consistent routines, ensuring licensing compliance, mentoring assistant teachers, and building trusting relationships with families.

At The Midwest Playhouse, we believe every diaper change, bottle feeding, cuddle, and conversation is an opportunity to help children feel loved, secure, and valued.

Primary ResponsibilitiesClassroom Leadership

• Lead all daily classroom routines and activities.
• Create a warm, calm, and engaging environment where infants and toddlers feel safe and loved.
• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans focused on developmental milestones.
• Supervise and mentor assistant teachers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Ensure all classroom supplies are stocked and prepared.

Child Development
Plan and implement activities that encourage:
Infants

• Tummy Time
• Sensory Exploration
• Language Development
• Fine & Gross Motor Skills
• Music & Movement
• Baby Sign Language
• Social Interaction
• Individualized Play Experiences

Toddlers

• Early Literacy
• Language Development
• Fine & Gross Motor Skills
• Art Exploration
• Sensory Activities
• Outdoor Play
• Social Skills
• Independence & Self-Help Skills
• Bible Stories & Character Development

Individualized CareProvide individualized care based on each child's schedule and developmental needs, including:

• Bottle preparation and feedings
• Meal and snack assistance
• Diaper changes and potty learning support
• Safe sleep practices
• Nap routines
• Comforting and soothing children
• Medication administration (when authorized)
• Monitoring developmental milestones

Playground App RequirementsResponsible for maintaining complete and accurate daily documentation.

Minimum Daily Entries

• 8-10 quality photos per child
• 1 video per child whenever possible
• All bottles, meals, and snacks documented
• All diaper changes and potty records documented
• Nap documentation completed
• Daily note completed before dismissal

Required Learning Documentation

• Tummy Time
• Sensory Activity
• Music & Movement
• Outdoor Time
• Gross Motor Activity
• Language Development Activity
• Story Time
• Bible Lesson or Character Development
• Teacher-Led Activity

Documentation should showcase each child's learning and development while keeping families informed throughout the day.

Health & Safety

• Follow Missouri childcare licensing regulations at all times.
• Maintain required classroom ratios.
• Conduct daily health checks.
• Follow safe sleep practices without exception.
• Sanitize toys, equipment, and high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Maintain accurate medication and incident documentation.
• Immediately report illnesses, injuries, or safety concerns to leadership.

Parent CommunicationBuild trusting relationships with families by:

• Greeting families warmly each day.
• Providing meaningful updates during drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintaining timely Playground documentation.
• Communicating concerns professionally and promptly.
• Celebrating developmental milestones with families.
• Maintaining confidentiality.

Classroom Management

• Use positive guidance and redirection techniques.
• Model patience, kindness, and respect.
• Encourage exploration while maintaining consistent routines.
• Foster secure attachments with children.
• Create an environment that promotes emotional security and independence.

Team Leadership

• Lead assistant teachers with professionalism and encouragement.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively.
• Assist with training new employees.
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing professional development.
• Model teamwork and flexibility throughout the center.

Licensing & Professional DevelopmentMust maintain:

• Current CPR & First Aid Certification
• Safe Sleep Certification
• Missouri-required annual training hours
• Current background screenings
• Food Program (CACFP) compliance knowledge
• Knowledge of Missouri licensing regulations

Performance ExpectationsThe Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher will consistently:

• Maintain a loving, responsive classroom environment.
• Complete all Playground documentation accurately and on time.
• Keep the classroom clean, organized, and licensing-ready.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
• Mentor assistant teachers and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Meet developmental milestones through intentional, engaging activities.
• Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and supervision.

QualificationsPreferred:

• CDA, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education (or willingness to obtain required credentials)
• Experience leading an infant or toddler classroom
• Knowledge of infant and toddler development
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively engage with young children throughout the day
• Passion for nurturing young children in a faith-based learning environment

Core ValuesEvery Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher at The Midwest Playhouse Learning Center is expected to:

• Love every child as if they were your own.
• Create a safe, joyful, and Christ-centered environment.
• Partner with families through open, honest communication.
• Lead with integrity, patience, and compassion.
• Model excellence in caregiving, teaching, and teamwork.
• Help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning through nurturing relationships and purposeful play.