Lead Toddler Teacher

Benefits:

Employee discounts

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

One Year Old Lead Teacher

Thrive Early Learning Center | Clarksville, TN

Help Build a Classroom Where Toddlers Feel Safe, Loved, and Ready to Thrive.

At Thrive Early Learning Center, we believe early childhood educators do more than teach — they shape how children see themselves, others, and the world around them.

We are currently seeking a strong, nurturing, and dependable Lead Teacher for our One Year Old Classroom. This is a leadership role for someone who understands toddler development, values emotional connection, and can confidently guide both children and classroom staff with patience, consistency, and professionalism.

This is not a babysitting position. We are looking for someone who can lead a classroom intentionally, maintain high standards, build trusting relationships with families, and create an environment where children and teammates feel emotionally safe and supported.

What You’ll Do

As the Lead Teacher, you will:

Lead the daily operations of the toddler classroom

Create a calm, engaging, developmentally appropriate environment

Build strong relationships with children and families

Maintain active supervision and DHS compliance at all times

Guide and support assistant teachers and aides

Implement play-based learning experiences

Support children through emotional development, language growth, routines, and social learning

Maintain classroom structure, organization, and professionalism

Communicate clearly and respectfully with families and team members

Help create a positive classroom culture rooted in teamwork and consistency

What We’re Looking For

We are searching for someone who:

Is warm, patient, and emotionally responsive

Understands toddler behavior and development

Can confidently lead a classroom team

Maintains professionalism under stress

Values structure, consistency, and accountability

Understands the importance of active supervision and safety

Is dependable, coachable, and team-oriented

Wants to grow professionally in early childhood education

Experience in a licensed child care setting is strongly preferred.

CDA, ECE coursework, or related education is a plus.

Thrive Core Values

We Build Belonging

Children, families, and staff should feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

We Lead with Love

We believe in calm guidance, emotional safety, and respectful interactions.

We Protect Childhood

We prioritize play, curiosity, relationships, and developmentally appropriate learning.

We Grow Together

We believe strong teams continue learning, improving, and supporting one another.

Licensing & Professional Expectations

Candidates must be able to:

Meet Tennessee DHS requirements

Pass required background checks

Maintain CPR/First Aid and required trainings

Follow all health, safety, and supervision standards

Maintain dependable attendance and professionalism

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent movement throughout the day including:

Lifting children

Sitting on the floor

Bending, kneeling, and active engagement

Indoor and outdoor supervision

Assisting with diapering and daily care routines

This Position May Not Be the Right Fit If…

You struggle with patience or emotional regulation

You prefer working independently without teamwork

You become easily overwhelmed by noise or fast-paced environments

You are inconsistent with supervision or professionalism

You are looking for a low-engagement or passive classroom role

Why Thrive?

At Thrive, we are building more than classrooms — we are building a culture.

We are committed to creating an environment where:

Teachers feel respected and supported

Leadership is hands-on and growth-focused

Children are nurtured emotionally and developmentally

Families feel connected and confident in our care

We are looking for educators who want to make a meaningful impact while growing alongside a team that truly cares.

Apply today if you believe children deserve calm, connected, high-quality care — and you want to be part of helping build it.