Toddler Teacher

We are seeking a dependable, patient, and energetic Toddler Teacher to guide children ages 12 to 36 months through key developmental milestones. In this role, you will lead daily classroom activities, maintain a clean and safe learning space, and support gross motor, sensory, language, and social-emotional development. You will work alongside our administrative team and fellow educators to ensure full compliance with NC DCDEE sanitation and licensing regulations at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate daily activities focused on sensory exploration, language acquisition, motor skills, and social routines.
• Supervise children closely during indoor activities, outdoor playground time, meals, and rest periods to maintain required staff-to-child ratios and safety standards.
• Manage toddler personal care routines promptly and gently, including diaper changes, potty-training progression, handwashing, and meal assistance.
• Maintain a sanitary and organized room environment by completing daily sanitation tasks, toy sanitizing logs, and diaper-changing station protocols per NC sanitation rules.
• Observe and record developmental milestones, behavior notes, and daily routines using our center communication system.
• Build trusting, professional relationships with families through respectful daily conversations at drop-off and pickup.
• Complete incident reports, attendance rosters, and transition logs accurately and promptly.

Required Qualifications

• Criminal Background Clearance: Must hold an active, valid NC DCDEE Criminal Background Check (CBC) Qualifying Letter before the first day of work. This clearance requires submitting fingerprints (via local law enforcement Live Scan or FD-258 fingerprint card) through the NC Automated Background Check Management System (ABCMS).
• Education: Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, PLUS completion of the North Carolina Early Childhood Credential (NCECC / EDU 119) or an approved equivalent.
• Health Requirements: Valid medical report and a documented negative Tuberculosis (TB) skin test completed within the state required timeframe prior to beginning employment.
• Safety Certifications: Current certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 weeks of hire.
• Age: At least 18 years of age.
• Knowledge: Working familiarity with North Carolina child care rules, staff-to-child ratio requirements, and positive guidance techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with an Infant/Toddler specialization.
• One or more years of documented experience working in a licensed child care center or toddler classroom.
• Completed training in ITS-SIDS and Emergency Preparedness.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift, carry, and hold children up to 35 pounds.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, sitting on the floor at toddler level, and standing for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly and move rapidly during indoor and outdoor emergencies.

Pre-Hiring Verification Checklist

Use this checklist to verify applicant paperwork before scheduling an in-classroom working interview or submitting onboarding files:

• ABCMS Portal Verification: Log into the NC DCDEE ABCMS Provider Portal and confirm the candidate's CBC Qualifying Letter is active and within its 5-year expiration window.
• Transfer Status Check: If the applicant is transferring from another NC facility, ensure no more than 180 consecutive days have elapsed since their last employment in licensed child care; if over 180 days, initiate a new ABCMS application and fingerprint cycle immediately.
• Education File Audit: Collect official college transcripts or official certificates for EDU 119 / NCECC to verify lead teacher qualification status for the personnel file.
• Health Screenings: Confirm the pre-employment medical evaluation report and negative TB screening form are signed by a licensed healthcare provider.
• Staff Connection Code: Issue the center ABCMS connection code to the hired candidate to link their state profile directly to your facility roster prior to their official start date.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person