Toddler Classroom Lead TeacherJob Summary APK! Academy is seeking a warm, dependable, and experienced Toddler Classroom Lead Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for our youngest learners. The Lead Teacher is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate experiences using the Experience Curriculum , building strong relationships with children and families, and maintaining a well-organized classroom that supports children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development. The ideal candidate is patient, energetic, and confident working with toddlers. Strong classroom management and positive redirection skills are essential. The Lead Teacher should be able to guide toddler behavior calmly and consistently while helping children learn appropriate ways to communicate, make choices, solve problems, and interact with others. The Lead Teacher serves as a positive role model and works closely with the teaching team and administration to uphold APK! Academy's standards for quality early childhood education, safety, professionalism, and family partnership. Responsibilities Lead and manage the daily operation of the toddler classroom in accordance with APK! Academy standards and policies. Create a warm, nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. Plan and implement engaging learning experiences using the Experience Curriculum , adapting activities to meet the individual needs and interests of toddlers. Support children's development across social-emotional, language, cognitive, physical, and self-help skills. Use positive guidance, redirection, and age-appropriate behavior-support strategies consistently. Demonstrate strong toddler classroom management skills, including the ability to redirect challenging behaviors calmly and effectively. Establish predictable routines and transitions that help toddlers feel secure and successful. Observe children and document developmental progress, interests, strengths, and areas of growth. Maintain accurate classroom records, lesson plans, observations, and required documentation. Communicate regularly and professionally with families regarding children's daily experiences, development, and classroom activities. Build positive, respectful relationships with children, families, coworkers, and administration. Ensure active supervision of children at all times and maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom. Follow all health, safety, sanitation, licensing, and APK! Academy procedures. Model appropriate language, behavior, and interactions for children. Support children's growing independence with routines such as meals, toileting/diapering, handwashing, clean-up, and transitions. Work collaboratively with Assistant Teachers and other classroom staff to maintain consistency in routines, expectations, and behavior guidance. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, training, and school events. Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions. Communicate classroom needs and concerns promptly to administration. Contribute to a positive school culture focused on children's safety, development, and overall well-being. Requirements High school diploma or equivalent required; CDA, associate degree, bachelor's degree, or other early childhood education credentials preferred. Previous experience working with toddlers or young children in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting required. Previous Lead Teacher or classroom leadership experience preferred. Knowledge of toddler development and developmentally appropriate practices. Experience using or willingness to learn the Experience Curriculum . Strong classroom management and redirection skills are required. Ability to remain calm, patient, and positive when responding to challenging toddler behaviors. Ability to redirect children using positive guidance rather than punitive or harsh discipline. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work effectively as part of a teaching team. Reliable, punctual, organized, and professional. Ability to create engaging, hands-on learning experiences for toddlers. Commitment to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment. Must meet all applicable state childcare licensing requirements, including required background checks and training. Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain as required. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is someone who genuinely enjoys working with toddlers and understands that this age requires patience, consistency, flexibility, and strong relationship-building skills . You should be comfortable getting down on a child's level, acknowledging feelings, setting clear limits, and using effective redirection to guide behavior. We are looking for a teacher who can confidently lead a classroom while creating an environment where toddlers feel safe, loved, supported, and excited to learn .

Pay:

$12.00 - $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location:

In person