Lead Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School is committed to bringing passion and customer focus to early childhood education. We offer an exciting opportunity for a Lead Teacher in our state-of-the-art facility, where you’ll join a caring, dynamic team of professionals dedicated to providing exceptional educational experiences. Your contributions will be valued, your expertise recognized, and your professional growth supported in an environment that prioritizes high-quality, developmentally appropriate programs.

Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Collaboration
  • Mentor and guide assistant teachers and peers to align with classroom goals and The Gardner School’s values.
  • Facilitate open communication and teamwork in the classroom.
  • Model professionalism, positivity, and commitment to the school’s mission and core values.
  • Participate actively in peer collaboration, communication, and curriculum planning.
  • Share ideas and materials with coworkers to enhance classroom experiences.
• Child-Centered Curriculum & Instruction
  • Plan, implement, and assess engaging, developmentally appropriate weekly lesson plans based on observations and each child’s developmental goals, promoting physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth.
  • Create a nurturing, safe, and stimulating learning environment that supports diverse learning styles.
  • Align lesson plans with The Gardner School’s curriculum and learning goals.
  • Introduce and implement a curriculum reflecting observations and individual goals for children.
• Parent and Community Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with families by providing regular updates on children’s progress and classroom activities.
  • Conduct parent-teacher conferences with professionalism and clear communication to discuss orientation, transitions, and development goals.
  • Represent The Gardner School positively within the community, promoting its mission and values.
• Operational Excellence and Compliance
  • Maintain compliance with state licensing standards and The Gardner School’s policies and procedures.
  • Ensure classroom safety by adhering to health and safety protocols and supervising children effectively.
  • Manage classroom schedules, attendance records, and daily documentation accurately and efficiently.
  • Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive.
• Effective Communication and Relationship Building
  • Build trusting and collaborative relationships with children, colleagues, and parents.
  • Communicate constructively and positively to guide behavior and promote social-emotional development.
  • Actively participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

• Meet state licensing requirements for education and experience.
• Associate’s Degree or CDA (BS or BA in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field preferred).
• Minimum of 1 year of professional experience in an early childhood education setting.
• Strong understanding of child development principles and early childhood education best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to create and maintain a positive and engaging learning environment.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.

Physical Demands

• Frequently lifts, carries, and holds children and infants weighing 10 to 60 pounds.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear, think, communicate, concentrate, learn, and work.
• Ability to operate computers, phones, and other office equipment as needed.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay

The anticipated pay range for this position is $20.40 – $27.60 per hour. The actual starting rate will be based on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Discounted childcare tuition.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.

The Gardner School is an academically focused preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, offering a rich learning environment that stimulates physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We provide extensive training, orientation, and continuing education programs across our locations in 8 states. We prioritize internal promotions and reward our teachers with opportunities to grow within our privately-owned company. Faculty members are chosen for their love of early childhood education and their positive, curious approach to life that inspires confidence and joy in others.