Toddler Lead Teacher

Company Overview

We are hiring a Lead Toddler Teacher to join our team of dedicated educators. If you’re passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we’d love to meet you.

Centrally located in Durham, NC,Our PlayHouse Preschoolis an engaging, individualized and hands-on accredited educational program for children 12 months to 5 years of age. Having served over 350 families in the past 10 years, we offer low student to teacher ratios, rich indoor and outdoor learning experiences, and child-led education. We are a diverse and caring community of teachers, kids, and parents who love to learn, play, and explore together. We are currently in search of enthusiastic, responsible, and creative educators to work with children from toddlers up to preschool. Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s and at least 2 years of experience working in early childhood education with a passion for innovative, play-based teaching styles. Compelling candidates lacking the above requirements but possessing unique experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are looking for lead teachers to join our team for our upcoming school year that begins in August, 2026

The teacher should have or exhibit:

• A love for working with children and families

• A willingness to learn about and implement child-focused, or Reggio-inspired perspectives

• View teaching young children as a profession

• View learning as a collaborative process

• Develop curriculum based on the children's own interests

• Engage children in many ways leading with play, but continuing with art, music, reading, writing, and experimentation

• Document and make visible a child's interests using journals, cameras, and other tools

• Involve parents in the learning process by sharing

• Experience working with young children

• Is organized, tech-savvy, punctual, and able to communicate well verbally and in writing.

• Strong classroom management skills

• A belief that children are inherently capable

Our PlayHouse Preschool is looking for autonomous, enthusiastic, and responsible professionals with the ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children ages 1-5. Our approach, “Reggio-Emilia,” is an innovative and unique play-based educational style.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Comp etitive compensation based on level of education and experience

• Hourly Pay Rate: $16.75 - $21.13

• On demand pay with UKG Wallet

• 50% childcare tuition discount

• 401(k) with empl oyer match

• Comprehensive benefit package for all full-time employees, including:

• Paid time off that increases with seniority

• Paid holidays

• Medical, dental, vision options available

• Additional life, disability, and retirement plans

• Educational and professional development

• Tuition reimbursement

• Company-paid life insurance

• Pet insurance

• Paid CDA

Job Description

What You’ll Do

• Create awarm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environmentwhere every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.

• Buildpositive, professional relationshipswith children and families, including daily greetings and ongoing communication.

• Recognize and respond todiverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.

• Plan, implement, and documentdevelopmentally appropriate curriculumaligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs.

• Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.

• Maintain asafe and well‑supervised classroom, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual at all times.

• Accurately document and reportaccidents, incidents, and escalated behaviorsin accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.

• Follow all Cadence Education policies, procedures, and standards outlined in the Employee Handbook.

• Participate inrequired trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled work hours.

What We’re Looking For

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name‑to‑Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‑feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.

• Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Education

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

Experience

• Must meetstate licensing requirementsfor Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.

• A minimum of6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experienceis preferred, depending on education and credentials.

Credentials & Licensing

• Must meet allDepartment of Health Services (DHS)licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers, which may include:

• High school diploma or GED plus required experienceor

• College coursework in early childhood educationor

• CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential

• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.

• CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are met.

Scheduling Requirements (Please Review Carefully)

• Flexibility is essential.Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.

• Work schedules may vary andare not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts.

• Daily end times may vary andcannot be guaranteed.

#CR

School BrandOur PlayHouse Preschool

ID 2026-66547

School Name 727 - Our Play House

Position Type Full-Time

Min Salary USD $16.25/Hr.

Max Salary USD $21.13/Hr.