A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.
Bright Star Kids Academy - Midtown Position Summary The Lead Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe, nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for toddlers. The Lead Teacher provides consistent supervision and individualized care while implementing the BSKA curriculum, maintaining classroom routines, communicating with families, and supporting the social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development of each child. The Lead Toddler Teacher is expected to serve as a classroom leader and positive role model for assistant teachers and support staff while maintaining professional standards established by Bright Star Kids Academy and Georgia child care regulations. Essential Responsibilities Classroom Leadership Lead the daily operation of the toddler classroom. Maintain a clean, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. Establish and maintain consistent classroom routines and schedules. Assign and delegate classroom responsibilities to assistant teachers when appropriate. Model professionalism, patience, teamwork, and positive communication. Ensure classroom activities and responsibilities are completed throughout the day. Child Supervision & Safety Maintain active and continuous supervision of all children. Follow all BSKA and Georgia child care supervision, safety, and emergency procedures. Conduct frequent headcounts and ensure every child is accounted for during transitions. Never leave children unattended or unsupervised. Follow proper diapering, toileting, handwashing, feeding, and sanitation procedures. Immediately report accidents, injuries, incidents, safety concerns, or unusual behavior to administration. Maintain required classroom ratios at all times. Curriculum & Lesson Planning Implement the BSKA curriculum and weekly lesson plans. Provide age-appropriate activities that promote learning through play, exploration, movement, music, language, and hands-on experiences. Adapt activities to meet individual developmental needs. Document children's developmental progress and classroom participation as required. Maintain lesson plans and classroom documentation according to BSKA procedures. Provide meaningful daily learning experiences rather than relying on passive activities or screen time. Toddler Care & Development Support children's developing independence while providing appropriate guidance and assistance. Use positive guidance and redirection when addressing challenging behaviors. Promote language development through conversation, books, songs, and interactive activities. Encourage positive peer interactions and social-emotional development. Provide individualized attention and respond appropriately to children's needs. Maintain predictable routines that support toddlers' emotional security. Parent & Family Communication Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents and guardians. Provide appropriate daily updates regarding children's activities, meals, naps, diapering, and overall classroom experience. Report concerns about a child's behavior, development, health, or well-being to administration. Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff. Never discuss confidential matters with unauthorized individuals. Health, Sanitation & Classroom Maintenance Maintain classroom cleanliness throughout the day. Follow proper cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting procedures. Ensure toys, furniture, equipment, and learning materials remain clean and safe. Complete required classroom cleaning and closing responsibilities. Properly dispose of diapers and maintain appropriate diaper-changing procedures. Follow BSKA food, allergy, sanitation, and health policies. Documentation & Technology Complete required classroom records accurately and on time. Maintain daily logs and required child-care documentation. Use the Playground App as directed by BSKA administration. Ensure classroom records, attendance, and other required information are accurately maintained. Notify administration immediately of missing or incomplete documentation. Leadership Expectations As a Lead Teacher, this position is expected to demonstrate leadership beyond basic classroom duties.
The Lead Teacher should:
Set the standard for professionalism within the classroom. Hold themselves and classroom support staff accountable for assigned responsibilities. Communicate concerns to administration rather than allowing problems to continue. Assist in training and modeling expectations for new classroom staff. Accept coaching and corrective feedback professionally. Demonstrate strong time-management and organizational skills. Maintain a positive attitude even during stressful situations. Support the overall mission, policies, and culture of Bright Star Kids Academy. Professional Standards The Lead Toddler Teacher must: Arrive on time and be prepared to begin classroom responsibilities at the scheduled start of the shift. Follow all attendance, timekeeping, dress code, cell phone, and technology policies. Remain engaged with children during working hours. Keep personal cell phone use to a minimum and only use personal devices when authorized. Use appropriate language and tone when communicating with children, families, and coworkers. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries. Follow the chain of command. Immediately communicate safety or operational concerns to leadership. Maintain a calm, patient, and respectful demeanor when handling challenging situations. Minimum Qualifications Associate Degree or CDA preferred/required based on applicable Georgia child care staffing requirements. Minimum of 3 years of experience working with young children , preferably toddlers. Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification. Must meet applicable Georgia child care background-check and employment requirements. Knowledge of child development and developmentally appropriate practices. Ability to communicate effectively with children, families, coworkers, and administration. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced child-care environment. Physical Requirements The Lead Toddler Teacher must be able to: Lift and carry young children when necessary. Sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, and move quickly throughout the classroom. Participate in indoor and outdoor activities. Maintain active supervision for extended periods. Respond quickly to emergencies and children's needs. Safely assist with diapering, feeding, and other daily-care responsibilities. Performance Expectations Performance will be evaluated based on, but not limited to: Child supervision and safety Classroom organization and cleanliness Curriculum implementation Quality of interactions with children Attendance and punctuality Documentation accuracy Parent communication Teamwork and leadership Compliance with BSKA policies and Georgia child-care requirements Ability to accept and implement coaching Overall professionalism and classroom performance Bright Star Kids Academy is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality learning environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Every Lead Teacher is expected to contribute to that mission through professionalism, accountability, and excellence in early childhood education.
Pay:
$17.00 - $20.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Vision insurance