Toddler Classroom Lead Teacher

Toddler Classroom Lead Teacher Chabad Garden School A classroom where children are trusted, materials are accessible, and learning happens through exploration, even when it gets a little messy. Chabad Garden School is seeking a warm, thoughtful, and engaged Lead Teacher for our toddler classroom for the 2026-2027 school year. We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys young children, respects their capabilities, and is passionate about early childhood education, someone who approaches each child with curiosity & understanding. We believe that behavior is something to learn from, not simply something to fix.

Position Overview Hours:

8:45 AM - 3:15 PM (full-time option available)

Schedule:

School year (late August through mid-June) or year-round

Salary:

Based on qualifications and experience

Location:

Fort Washington, PA About the Role Our toddler classrooms are designed to feel calm, inviting, and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and meaningful play. We are looking for a lead teacher who understands how to thoughtfully design a classroom environment that supports learning, where the space itself helps guide children toward independence, exploration, and engagement. You should feel comfortable creating an environment where: Materials are accessible and intentionally chosen The setup of the room encourages independence and responsibility Children are able to explore art, sensory experiences, and open-ended materials freely Learning is embedded into the classroom through thoughtful design, not just teacher-led activities Our classrooms are active, hands-on, and at times a little messy, in the best way. We value teachers who can remain calm, flexible, and thoughtful within the very real rhythm of toddlerhood, and who are able to see the learning within those moments. Rather than limiting the experience, we guide children toward responsibility and care for their environment through modeling, consistency, and realistic expectations. We value a classroom that evolves from the children themselves. The lead teacher should feel comfortable observing, listening, and building curriculum that reflects the children's interests, questions, and developmental needs. We value teachers who know how to thoughtfully engage alongside children, extending learning through observation, modeling, conversation, and play. We approach behavior with the understanding that all behavior is a form of communication. We are looking for a teacher who is able to thoughtfully observe and respond to what a child may be expressing, and who recognizes the role that the environment, transitions, teacher responses and classroom expectations play in shaping behavior. We also value thoughtful documentation that helps capture children's thinking, growth, and classroom experiences over time. We are looking for someone who trusts that toddlers are capable and genuinely enjoys supporting their growing independence. An appreciation for or alignment with child-led, play-based approaches, including Reggio Emilia and Montessori-inspired environments, is a strong plus. As a Jewish preschool, elements of Jewish life and tradition are naturally woven into the rhythm of the classroom, including Shabbat, holidays, and everyday experiences of mitzvot, tefilla, blessings, and Jewish values. We are looking for a teacher who is open to being part of this environment in a warm and inclusive way. Prior experience in a Jewish setting is welcome, but not necessary. This role is best suited for someone who is reflective, intentional, and genuinely enjoys the work of early childhood education. It is not simply a supervisory role, but one that requires thought, presence, and a desire to grow as an educator. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage the daily flow of the classroom Design and maintain a thoughtful, engaging classroom environment Observe children and plan experiences based on their interests and developmental needs Communicate with parents in a warm and professional manner Collaborate with co-teachers and staff Work Environment Our school is a warm, collaborative, and supportive environment where teachers are respected and appreciated. We are a small, close-knit school where relationships matter and each teacher, child, and family is truly known. "I love what I do and I've really found that love again working at a place that shows so much respect for its teachers." This is something we hear often from our staff, and it reflects the environment we work hard to create each day. The director is actively involved and works closely with teachers to support classroom success and professional growth. We are especially committed to supporting teachers who are thoughtful about their work and interested in growing in their understanding of children and classroom practice. Benefits Paid time off Childcare support for staff families Health insurance reimbursement 401(k) plan Requirements 2+ years experience working in an early childhood classroom preferred Experience working with toddlers in a group setting Strong understanding of how classroom environment supports learning Ability to observe children and build curriculum from their interests Ability to thoughtfully document and share the learning process Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, but not required Demonstrates thoughtfulness and intentionality in their approach to teaching Ability to understand behavior as communication and respond with patience and respect Strong communication and collaboration skills A genuine love for working with young children Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including getting up and down from the floor frequently and lifting and caring for toddlers How to Apply If this approach to early childhood education resonates with you, we would love to hear from you. Please take the time to thoughtfully complete the screening questions, as we are only able to review applications with completed responses. We care far more about hearing your authentic perspective and real classroom experience than reading perfectly polished answers.

Pay:

$24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Application Question(s): Please answer these questions in your own voice. We care much more about authentic classroom thinking and real experience than polished or "perfect" answers. Informal responses are completely welcome. Describe a toddler classroom that feels successful to you. What does it look and sound like throughout the day? Tell me about a time you changed the environment, routine, or your own approach because the children's behavior was telling you something wasn't working. What does "independence" look like for children around 18-24 months in a classroom? What are some things they are capable of doing with the right support? Messy play and sensory experiences are important in our program. How do you create opportunities for exploration while still maintaining a calm, organized classroom? Walk me through a difficult transition time in a toddler classroom that actually felt realistic and messy, not idealized. What was happening, and how did you handle it? When toddlers are dysregulated, clingy, throwing, biting, wandering, or having a hard time participating, what do you believe the teacher's role is in that moment? What kinds of classroom experiences do you most enjoy setting up for toddlers? Why? What do you think is harder about working with toddlers than people expect?

Work Location:

In person