Toddler Teacher | South San Francisco

Strata Learning is seeking a Full-Time Toddler Teacher to join our early childhood education team. The ideal candidate is nurturing, patient, dependable, and passionate about supporting the unique developmental needs of toddlers ages 18–36 months. This role requires an educator who understands that toddlers learn through relationships, movement, play, repetition, and hands-on exploration. The Toddler Teacher will help create a warm, predictable, and engaging classroom where children feel safe and supported as they develop independence, communication skills, emotional regulation, and confidence. Strata Learning (Formerly Happy Hall Schools Inc.) is an iconic and progressive early childhood organization serving families since 1951. We operate a range of programs for children 18 months through 8th grade at 10 locations in San Bruno, South San Francisco, Millbrae, and Pacifica. SKILLS Nurturing & Supportive – Builds warm, responsive relationships with toddlers and helps each child feel safe, secure, and valued. Patience & Understanding – Demonstrates patience and compassion while supporting toddlers through transitions, big emotions, emerging independence, and developing communication skills. Toddler Development Knowledge – Understands the developmental needs and milestones of children approximately 18–36 months old. Positive Guidance – Uses age-appropriate redirection, modeling, consistency, and positive reinforcement to support toddler behavior and social-emotional development. Communication – Communicates clearly and professionally with children, families, and colleagues. Interpersonal Skills – Develops positive relationships with children, parents, teachers, and other staff. Professionalism – Maintains professional standards, follows school policies, and is reliable and punctual. Flexibility – Adapts to changing classroom needs, routines, and individual children's needs. Confidentiality & Tact – Exercises discretion and maintains confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff. Cultural Sensitivity – Respects and values cultural, developmental, and individual differences. Safety Awareness – Maintains active supervision and follows health and safety practices appropriate for toddlers. Observational Skills – Observes children's development, behavior, interests, and emerging skills and communicates relevant information to the teaching team. Creativity – Creates engaging, sensory-rich, play-based experiences appropriate for toddler development. Organization – Maintains a clean, welcoming, organized, and developmentally appropriate toddler classroom. Technological Proficiency – Comfortable using basic educational and communication technology. RESPONSIBILITIES Child Supervision & Care Provide attentive, active supervision to toddlers, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout the day. Build nurturing and responsive relationships that help toddlers develop trust and a sense of security. Support children with daily routines, including meals and snacks, diapering and toileting, handwashing, rest time, transitions, and other personal care needs. Encourage growing independence by allowing toddlers to practice age-appropriate self-help skills. Respond calmly and compassionately to toddlers' physical and emotional needs. Toddler Learning & Development Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based experiences that support toddlers' social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. Provide opportunities for sensory exploration, music and movement, art, early literacy, outdoor play, dramatic play, and hands-on discovery. Encourage emerging language by talking, singing, reading, asking simple questions, and modeling words throughout daily routines and play. Support toddlers as they learn early social skills such as sharing space, taking turns, expressing needs, and interacting with peers. Recognize that toddler learning happens throughout the entire day and use routines, transitions, and play as opportunities for connection and development. Social-Emotional Support & Positive Guidance Help toddlers identify and express emotions in developmentally appropriate ways. Use positive guidance, redirection, modeling, and consistent classroom expectations rather than punitive discipline. Provide comfort and reassurance during separation, transitions, frustration, conflict, and other challenging moments. Maintain predictable routines while remaining responsive to individual children's needs. Support children in developing confidence, independence, and positive relationships with peers and adults. Classroom Environment & Maintenance Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and inviting toddler classroom. Ensure toys, materials, and learning areas are developmentally appropriate, accessible, and engaging. Follow required sanitation, diapering, toileting, handwashing, food safety, and classroom cleaning procedures. Regularly monitor classroom materials and supplies and communicate replenishment needs. Help create an environment that allows toddlers to safely move, explore, make choices, and learn through play. Observation & Educational Support Observe toddlers during routines and play to better understand their interests, strengths, developmental progress, and individual needs. Support implementation of the classroom curriculum and learning goals. Collaborate with the teaching team to adapt activities and classroom experiences based on children's developmental needs and interests. Communicate relevant observations and concerns to the appropriate teacher or supervisor. Family & Community Engagement Build welcoming, respectful, and professional relationships with toddler families. Communicate appropriately with families regarding children's daily experiences, routines, and development. Demonstrate patience and respect when responding to family questions or concerns. Maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries. Participate in parent-teacher meetings, school events, and community activities as required. Please note that this list of responsibilities is not exhaustive but highlights the key tasks associated with this role. Additional duties may be required based on the needs of the program and as directed by school leadership and management. PAID HOLIDAYS/BREAK Full-time employees enjoy 15 paid holidays annually, including: New Year's Day Memorial Day Juneteenth National Independence Day Independence Day Labor Day Veterans Day Thanksgiving Day Day After Thanksgiving Christmas Day Paid Winter Break – additional paid weekdays when Happy Hall/Strata Learning is closed between Christmas and New Year's QUALIFICATIONS Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or a high school graduate. Must have 6 ECE units and be enrolled in/taking 6 additional units for a total of 12 ECE units. Must have 3 Infant toddler units currently. Experience and a genuine interest in working with toddlers and young children. Understanding of toddler development and developmentally appropriate practices is preferred. Ability and willingness to provide hands-on care, including diapering, toileting, feeding, comforting, and supporting toddlers with daily routines. Must be dependable, reliable, and consistently punctual. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Fingerprint Background Clearance Health Screening Proof of Immunizations and TB Test Strata Learning is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr Happy-Hall-Schools