Waddler/Toddler Lead Teacher Children First is looking for a dependable, organized, and caring Waddler/Toddler Lead Teacher to take a leadership role within our waddler and toddler classrooms. This position is a great fit for an experienced early childhood educator who loves working with young children and is ready to take ownership of a classroom. Our Lead Teacher will be responsible for providing high-quality care while also helping create a positive, consistent, and well-run classroom for children, staff, and families. Responsibilities As a Waddler/Toddler Lead Teacher, you will: Provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for waddlers and toddlers Take primary responsibility for the organization and daily operation of the classroom Develop and implement age-appropriate lesson plans, activities, and learning experiences Create and maintain consistent classroom routines and expectations Support children's social-emotional, language, physical, and cognitive development Work alongside classroom staff while providing leadership, direction, and delegation Help ensure classroom staff understand their daily responsibilities and expectations Model positive interactions, professionalism, teamwork, and appropriate child guidance Communicate regularly and professionally with families about their child's day, development, needs, and accomplishments Maintain required classroom records and documentation Keep the classroom clean, organized, welcoming, and prepared Follow Children First policies and all applicable child care licensing, health, and safety requirements Communicate classroom needs, concerns, staffing issues, and successes with the Director Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities Help build a classroom environment where both children and staff can be successful What We're Looking For Our ideal candidate: Has experience working with infants, waddlers, toddlers, or young children Is dependable and understands the importance of consistent attendance Is confident taking initiative and making appropriate classroom decisions Can lead coworkers respectfully while still being a strong team player Is organized and able to manage multiple responsibilities throughout the day Communicates well with children, families, coworkers, and administration Understands that leadership includes both delegating responsibilities and jumping in wherever needed Is patient, positive, flexible, and comfortable in a busy child care environment Is passionate about early childhood education and helping young children learn, grow, and develop independence Preferred Qualifications Previous child care or early childhood education experience Previous lead teacher or classroom leadership experience preferred CDA, Early Childhood Education coursework, degree, or willingness to continue professional development is a plus Ability to meet all state licensing requirements for the position About the Position This is a hands-on leadership position . The Waddler/Toddler Lead Teacher will work directly with children each day while also guiding the classroom team, planning curriculum, communicating with families, and maintaining a consistent classroom environment. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their classroom, communicates openly, supports their coworkers, and is willing to take ownership of both the little details and the bigger picture. If you love the busy, curious, messy, hilarious, and rewarding waddler and toddler years and are ready to take the lead in creating a classroom where young children can thrive, we'd love to hear from you!

Pay:

$16.50 - $17.50 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person