Lead Toddler Teacher – Young Two-Year-Old Classroom

Lead Preschool Teacher – Young Two-Year-Old Classroom

Small Blessings Preschool | South Tampa, FL

Pay: $17.00–$22.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience

Job Type: Part-Time | 29 hours per week | Monday–Friday | School-Year Schedule

Love Two-Year-Olds? Grow With Us at Small Blessings Preschool!

Do you love the curiosity, energy, big feelings, and joyful discoveries that come with teaching two-year-olds?

Small Blessings Preschool, a ministry of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in South Tampa, is seeking a warm, nurturing, enthusiastic Lead Teacher for our Young Two-Year-Old Classroom.

We're looking for someone who understands that teaching toddlers takes patience, flexibility, creativity, a sense of humor, and a genuine love for early childhood education.

Our classroom serves up to 12 young two-year-olds and is supported by an Assistant Teacher. Together, you'll create a safe, loving, play-based environment where children build relationships, develop independence, explore, and grow at their own pace.

Why Join Small Blessings?

• School-year schedule with holidays and breaks
• Monday–Friday daytime hours (29 hours per week)
• Small class size with an Assistant Teacher
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teaching team
• Play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Professional development and opportunities for growth
• Warm, welcoming, faith-based preschool community

What You'll Do

Build Relationships & Support Social-Emotional Growth

• Create a nurturing classroom where children feel safe, loved, valued, and connected.
• Build meaningful relationships with each child and family.
• Respond to challenging behaviors with patience, empathy, and positive, developmentally appropriate guidance.
• Support children through separation anxiety, transitions, frustration, and other common toddler experiences.
• Encourage emerging communication skills, independence, and positive peer interactions.

Create Engaging, Play-Based Learning Experiences

• Plan and implement hands-on activities that encourage curiosity, creativity, exploration, and discovery.
• Support children's development through play, music, movement, sensory experiences, stories, and meaningful interactions.
• Establish flexible, predictable routines that respond to children's individual needs.
• Recognize and celebrate each child's unique developmental pace and progress.

Collaborate & Communicate

• Work closely with an Assistant Teacher to create a positive, well-organized classroom.
• Communicate warmly and professionally with families.
• Collaborate with colleagues and school leadership.
• Maintain a safe, clean, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a Lead Teacher or toddler teacher.
• At least 9 college credits in Early Childhood Education, an associate degree or higher (Early Childhood Education preferred), or a CDA or higher early childhood credential. Candidates willing to obtain a CDA within 12 months may also be considered.
• Florida DCF child care training completed or willingness to complete required training within applicable deadlines.
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain.
• Eligibility through Florida's DCF Background Screening Clearinghouse.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and actively participate in classroom activities.
• Strong communication, reliability, flexibility, and teamwork skills.
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Comfortable supporting and participating in a Christian early childhood environment.

Benefits

• 401(k) / Retirement plan
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• School-year schedule

Join Our Small Blessings Family!

At Small Blessings, we believe the earliest years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. We value educators who see children's behavior as communication, build strong relationships, and find joy in the everyday moments of toddlerhood.

If you're passionate about working with young two-year-olds and want to be part of a supportive preschool community where children and teachers are valued, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Application Question(s):

• DCF 40-Hours of Childcare Training (Preferred) or Degree in Early Childhood Education

Experience:

• Toddler Lead Teacher: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification or Higher Degree (Preferred)

Work Location: In person