Infant Toddler Lead Teacher

About the Role:

The Infant Toddler Lead Teacher plays a pivotal role in fostering the early development and well-being of children from birth to three years old. This position is responsible for creating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment that supports each child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. The Lead Teacher will design and implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities that promote exploration and learning while respecting individual developmental timelines. Collaboration with families and caregivers is essential to ensure continuity of care and to support each child's unique needs and milestones. Ultimately, this role aims to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and healthy development during these critical early years.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• At least two years of experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early education setting.
• Current certification in infant and toddler CPR and First Aid.
• Knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices for children aged 0-3 years.
• Ability to pass background checks and meet state licensing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related discipline.
• Experience as a lead teacher or in a supervisory role within an early childhood program.
• Training or certification in specialized infant/toddler curricula or developmental screening tools.
• Bilingual abilities to support diverse family communities.
• Professional development in trauma-informed care or inclusive early childhood education.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities tailored to infants and toddlers.
• Create a safe, clean, and welcoming classroom environment that meets all health and safety regulations.
• Observe and document each child's progress and behavior to inform individualized care and learning strategies.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with families to share updates, address concerns, and partner in the child's development.
• Lead and mentor assistant teachers and support staff to ensure high-quality care and educational practices.
• Maintain compliance with licensing requirements and center policies, including record-keeping and reporting.
• Support children’s emotional and social development by fostering positive interactions and guiding behavior.
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals and specialists as needed to support children’s health and developmental needs.

Skills:

The required and preferred skills are applied daily to create a supportive and enriching learning environment for infants and toddlers. Strong observational skills enable the Lead Teacher to assess developmental progress and tailor activities accordingly. Effective communication skills are essential for building trusting relationships with families and collaborating with team members. Leadership and organizational skills help manage classroom operations and mentor staff to maintain high standards of care. Additionally, knowledge of health and safety protocols ensures the well-being of all children under their supervision.