Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

Company Description

The Grove Early Learning Center provides care for children ages 12 weeks to 5 years, emphasizing curiosity, engagement, and respect for each child as a capable thinker. The center follows a Reggio-inspired approach, using thoughtfully designed, beautiful environments as a “third teacher” to invite exploration and hands-on learning. Educators observe children closely, listen attentively, and design project work based on children’s interests and questions, making learning visible through documentation and classroom displays. Our center practices gratitude, wonder, and care for others while welcoming families of all backgrounds with respect and hospitality. The Grove Early Learning Center is located at 400 W 57th St, Kansas City, Missouri, United States.

Role Description

The Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher is a full-time, on-site role based at The Grove Early Learning Center in Kansas City, MO. Hours for this position are full time, Monday through Friday 8-5, or 8:15-5:15 (including an hour break). This role is responsible for creating and implementing developmentally appropriate, child-led experiences for infant turning one, including daily routines, sensory play, and exploratory activities. The Lead Teacher will observe and document children’s learning, communicate regularly with families, and collaborate with colleagues to maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. Daily tasks include mangaing individualized feeding/sleeping schedules, lesson planning, preparing materials, keeping up cleanliness and organization of the classroom, caring for children’s physical and emotional needs, guiding social interactions, and supporting emerging language and motor skills. The Lead Teacher will also participate in ongoing professional development, occasional mandatory team meetings, and contribute to a culture of respect, inclusion, and other values that aligned with the center.

What You’ll Love About Working Here:

• Starting pay of $17.00–$18.50/hour
• Generous PTO: 10 days your first year, with 2 extra days added every year you’re with us
• 13 paid holidays, including an 8-day Winter Break and 5 day Summer Break which is in addition to your PTO
• Paid inclement weather days
• Partially subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance through United Healthcare
• Reimbursement for professional trainings
• Access to a dedicated staff wellness room with snacks, drinks, and a cozy place to recharge
• Weekly dedicated planning time outside the classroom
• Five to Six paid professional development days annually, with coaching and training throughout the year

Qualifications:

• Strong foundation in Education and Teaching, with experience supporting infant and toddler development. This includes knowledge of infant development and transitioning them from individualized schedule to a toddler schedule.
• Loves outdoor play and isn’t afraid of a little mess.
• Demonstrated skills in Lesson Planning and Training, including designing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences for infant and toddlers.
• Excellent Communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to maintain a safe, responsive, and inclusive classroom environment that reflects a Reggio-inspired philosophy.
• Relevant coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in an early childhood or childcare setting, particularly with infants and toddlers.
• Knowledge of child development, health and safety practices, safe sleep and licensing requirements is beneficial.
• Capacity to work collaboratively on-site as part of a team and engage in ongoing professional learning.

What It Means to Be a Reggio-Inspired Program at Our Center

• Classrooms that feel like home. Infused with natural materials, wooden furniture, cozy lamps, and soft lighting to inspire learning and wonder
• Nature-based experiences, with outdoor play as a daily priority
• A curriculum that follows children’s interests, sparks big questions, and celebrates creativity
• A culture of documentation, reflection, and celebration of learning
• Teachers are empowered with freedom to design meaningful project work tied to real-life experience

Want to see our center in action? Visit our Facebook page or Instagram! You can also visit our website for more information about our center and philosophy:

Instagram: thegroverearlylearningcenter

Facebook.com/thegroveearlylearningcenter

Website: www.thegroveearlylearning.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Have you ever had a substantiated complaint from Child Care Compliance?
• Are you willing to participate in professional development/teacher training outside of business hours?
• Are you able to work 8-5, or 8:15-5:15 (including an hour break) Monday through Friday? Please include which shift you would prefer.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Infant care: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person