Infant/Toddler, Two Year Old, and Preschool Lead Teachers

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher provides nurturing care and developmentally appropriate experiences for children ages 6 weeks to 24 months in alignment with MSDE child care licensing standards. The Lead Teacher is responsible for ensuring a safe, loving, and stimulating environment that supports each child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized lesson plans aligned with MSDE Healthy Beginnings Framework for infants and toddlers.

• Provide responsive caregiving, including feeding, diapering, and comforting while promoting secure attachments.

• Maintain classroom safety and cleanliness in compliance with MSDE health and safety regulations.

• Complete daily reports for parents, documenting meals, naps, and developmental milestones.

• Use positive guidance techniques to foster trust and emotional well-being.

• Observe, assess, and record developmental progress using MSDE-approved tools.

• Collaborate with assistant teachers and communicate daily with parents and administrators.

• Maintain compliance with all licensing, sanitation, and emergency preparedness procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Must meet MSDE Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher qualification , including:

  • At least 19 years old.

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

  • 45-Hour Infant/Toddler Certificate (MSDE-approved).

  • 90-Hour Child Growth and Development Certificate (preferred) or equivalent coursework.

  • At least 2 years of experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed infant/toddler classroom.

• Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification.

• Medication Administration Certification (MSDE-approved).

• ADA Training and Basic Health and Safety training.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs and actively engage with infants on the floor.

Preferred Attributes

• Deep understanding of early attachment, responsive caregiving, and sensory-based learning.

• Warm, patient, and dependable team player.

• Skilled at building trusting relationships with families.

Position Summary

The  Two-Year-Old Lead Teacher creates a structured yet flexible learning environment for children ages 24 to 36 months , encouraging independence, curiosity, and language development. The Lead Teacher plans daily activities that promote self-help skills, social growth, and early cognitive development consistent with MSDE child care standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement lesson plans aligned with MSDE’s  Early Learning Standards for toddlers.

• Introduce age-appropriate group activities focusing on language, motor, and social skills.

• Establish predictable routines supporting potty training, self-help, and independence.

• Foster positive peer interactions and emotional regulation through modeling and redirection.

• Maintain a safe and organized classroom that supports active exploration.

• Conduct developmental observations and communicate progress to parents.

• Supervise assistant teachers and ensure compliance with ratio and licensing standards.

• Participate in team meetings and ongoing professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Must meet  MSDE Two-Year-Old Lead Teacher qualification , including:

  • At least 19 years old.

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

  • 45-Hour Infant/Toddler   or  45-Hour Two-Year-Old Curriculum Course (MSDE-approved).

  • 90-Hour Child Growth and Development Certificate.

  • At least 2 years of experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed child care setting.

• Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification.

• Medication Administration Certification (MSDE-approved).

• ADA and Basic Health & Safety Training (MSDE-approved).

Preferred Attributes

• Knowledge of potty-training support strategies and sensory learning.

• Excellent communication and classroom management skills.

• Enthusiastic, patient, and dedicated to helping toddlers grow and thrive.

Position Summary

The  Preschool (3/4) Lead Teacher provides a dynamic, play-based learning environment designed to prepare children for kindergarten. The Lead Teacher creates lesson plans aligned with MSDE’s  Maryland Early Learning Standards and supports the development of literacy, math, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and implement a comprehensive curriculum promoting school readiness and creative exploration.

• Establish classroom routines encouraging independence, cooperation, and responsibility.

• Conduct daily circle time, small-group instruction, and hands-on activities.

• Monitor and assess each child’s developmental progress and create portfolios for parent conferences.

• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and organized classroom environment.

• Model positive guidance and foster respect among children.

• Collaborate with assistant teachers and participate in staff meetings and trainings.

• Ensure compliance with MSDE regulations, ratios, and health/safety policies.

Required Qualifications

• Must meet  MSDE Preschool Lead Teacher qualification , including:

  • At least 19 years old.

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.

  • 90-Hour Preschool Certificate (MSDE-approved).

  • 45-Hour Child Growth and Development  (if not included in the 90-hour course) .

  • At least 2 years of experience as a Lead Teacher in a licensed preschool classroom.

• Current Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification.

• Medication Administration Certification (MSDE-approved).

• ADA and Basic Health & Safety Training.

Preferred Attributes

• Strong knowledge of Pre-K readiness standards and curriculum design.

• Excellent organizational and classroom management skills.

• Passionate about building a joyful learning foundation for every child.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and credentials.

• Yearly Bonus

• Supportive, family-focused work environment.