Lead Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School; Shirley; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Minnesota Great Start compensation

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School in St. Louis Park, MN is hiring a Lead Teacher to guide a toddler classroom with warmth and high standards. You will plan engaging activities, support families, and model The Gardner School's core values—Children First, Trust, Innovation, Make a Difference.

With 2+ years in early childhood education and an Associates Degree or CDA (BS/BA preferred), you will lead a team, ensure safety, and contribute to a joyful, learning-focused environment every day.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree or CDA required for candidacy.
• CPR/First Aid certification required or willing to obtain.
• Minimum 2 years of early childhood education experience, lead or co-lead.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model core school values.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment.

Skills

Classroom leadership

Mentoring

Communication with families

Education

Associates Degree or CDA required; BS/BA preferred in Elementary or Early Childhood Education

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.We're Hiring! Join our team as a Lead Teacher at The Gardner School of St. Louis Park!We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Toddler Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of St. Louis Park, we believe learning begins with love — for children, for teaching, and for making a difference. Join our passionate, professional team in our state-of-the-art preschool, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated every day.What You’ll Do:Lead and inspire your classroom with creativity, care, and excellenceMentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a DifferenceBuild meaningful relationships with families and childrenPlan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosityMaintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environmentWhat We Offer:Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.70 - $23.10 per hour, based on education and experienceMinnesota Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program: This school also participates in the Minnesota Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program to provide financial compensation to eligible childcare providers.Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunitiesCareer Growth: Ongoing professional development and training, opportunities for advancement within our growing organization, access to our company-sponsored CDA program, and a supportive, mission-driven culture.Qualifications:Education/Certification:Associates Degree or CDA a must (BS or BA degree in Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education or related degree preferred)Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)Experience:2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead experience preferred)Knowledge, Skills and Physical Requirements:Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. (Required)Regular and reliable attendance.Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks. (Required)Active engagement throughout the day including standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to ~60 lbs.Ability to fulfill cognitive and interpersonal aspects of a classroom leadership including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently, sufficient to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.The Gardner School extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other reason prohibited by law.