Lead Toddler Teacher - Two Year olds

Wee Care Academy is looking for a dependable, nurturing, and enthusiastic Lead Two-Year-Old Teacher to join our early learning team!

Our two-year-old classroom is an exciting environment where children are developing independence, building relationships, learning to communicate, and discovering the world around them. We are looking for an experienced educator who understands the unique developmental needs of two-year-olds and can create a safe, engaging, and supportive learning environment.

At Wee Care Academy, we use an emergent, play-based curriculum that builds on children's interests, developmental abilities, and natural curiosity. Our ideal candidate understands early childhood developmental milestones and can use observations to plan meaningful learning experiences that support each child's individual growth.

This classroom also focuses heavily on toilet learning, self-help skills, social-emotional development, and growing independence. We are looking for someone who approaches these important milestones with patience, consistency, encouragement, and developmentally appropriate expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of a classroom of two-year-old children.
• Develop and implement an emergent, play-based curriculum based on children's interests, observations, and developmental needs.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of developmental milestones and use that knowledge to guide classroom activities, interactions, and expectations.
• Support children through toilet learning using positive, consistent, and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Encourage independence through daily routines, self-help skills, and opportunities for children to make choices.
• Foster social-emotional development through positive guidance, modeling, and supportive interactions.
• Observe, document, and assess children's development to inform curriculum planning and communicate progress with families.
• Create engaging indoor and outdoor learning experiences that encourage exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and discovery.
• Establish predictable routines and a welcoming classroom environment that supports children's emotional and physical well-being.
• Work collaboratively with Assistant Teachers, providing guidance, clear communication, and classroom leadership.
• Build positive, professional relationships with families and maintain open communication regarding their child's development.
• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Follow Washington State DCYF licensing requirements and Wee Care Academy policies and procedures.

We're Looking for Someone Who Is

• Passionate about working with toddlers and understands the unique joys and challenges of two-year-olds.
• Knowledgeable about early childhood developmental milestones and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Experienced with emergent curriculum, child-led learning, and learning through play.
• Confident supporting toilet learning and children's developing independence.
• Patient, nurturing, and skilled in positive behavior guidance.
• Creative, flexible, and able to adapt activities to children's changing interests and needs.
• Organized, dependable, and capable of managing classroom responsibilities independently.
• A strong communicator who values teamwork and positive relationships with families.
• Comfortable spending time outdoors and incorporating nature into everyday learning.
• Willing to continue learning, growing professionally, and reflecting on their teaching practices.

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working in an early childhood classroom, preferably with toddlers.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate teaching practices.
• Ability to meet Washington State DCYF licensing requirements for a Lead Teacher position.
• Ability to complete required background checks, TB screening, CPR/First Aid certification, and required training.

Preferred:

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) coursework, certificate, or degree.
• Previous experience as a Lead Teacher.
• Experience implementing emergent or play-based curriculum.
• Experience supporting toilet learning and toddler social-emotional development.
• Active Washington State MERIT account.

About Wee Care Academy

Wee Care Academy is a nonprofit early learning program serving children from infancy through Pre-K. We provide a nurturing, nature-enhanced environment where children learn through exploration, meaningful relationships, and hands-on experiences.

We believe children learn best through play, curiosity, and opportunities to engage with the world around them. Our educators are encouraged to be creative, intentional, and responsive to the children in their care.

We value teamwork, professional growth, strong family partnerships, and educators who are passionate about early childhood education.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance
• Supportive and collaborative teaching environment

Sign-On and Longevity Bonus

All new hires qualify for a $1,600 longevity bonus, distributed in three payments:

• $350 after 3 months of employment
• $500 after 6 months of employment
• $750 after 9 months of employment

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief introduction describing your experience working with young children, particularly toddlers.

We would love to hear about your approach to early childhood education, emergent curriculum, and supporting children's growing independence!

Join our team and help our youngest learners build the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to thrive!

Pay: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person