Full Time Lead Toddler Teacher

Sunshineacad; Laurel (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sunshine Academy seeks a Lead Teacher to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and manage a positive classroom environment. You will supervise assistants, guide students, and maintain strong relationships with families while ensuring licensing compliance and safety.

You will also handle record-keeping, staff supervision, and communication with the Director to support a high-quality early childhood program in Montana.

Qualifications

• Must have Level 2 Practitioner Registry or 2+ years ECE experience in licensed program, CDA, or BA/AS in ECD.
• Current CPR/AED, infant choking response, and first aid certifications (hands-on required).
• Must complete facility overview training and stay current on ECP Practitioner Registry.
• Ability to lift 45 pounds and maneuver between floor levels.
• Strong language skills to communicate with children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and maintain positive classroom management.
• Supervise assistant teachers and floaters; ensure safety and supervision ratios.
• Foster relationships with students and families; maintain documentation and records.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements and maintain cleanliness and safety.
• Collaborate with Director on program improvements and staff development.

Skills

CPR/AED certification

First aid certification

Mobility and lifting

Strong classroom management

Communication with children & adults

Team supervision

Safety and licensing compliance

Education

Bachelor's/Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development

Preschool certification (CDA/-equivalent)

The Practitioner Registry Level 2

Tools

Playground software

Job description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum Level 2 on The Practitioner Registry or 2+ years of early childhood experience in a licensed program and/or their CDA, or BA/Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development, or preschool certification through an accredited program.
• Current certification for infant, child, and adult CPR/AED and infant choking response, and standard and pediatric first aid. CPR certification must be completed in a hands-on setting
• Complete facility overview training
• Current on the ECP Practitioner Registry
• Able to lift 45 pounds
• Able to easily maneuver up and down from the floor
• Have sufficient language skills to communicate with children and adults
• Can demonstrate they are of good moral character
• Able to demonstrate they are physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations
• Current on MMR and Tetanus Immunizations

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Annual Training

• Completion of training hours required to stay current on the ECP Practitioner Registry
• Completion of any training required by The Sunshine Academy Management

SUPERVISORS: Director

JOB OVERVIEW

The Lead Teacher is responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum, providing positive classroom management, supervising assistant teachers and floaters, implementing and encouraging positive child guidance, promoting and maintaining relationships with students and families, promoting and maintaining positive employee relationships, ensuring compliance with licensing requirements, maintaining cleanliness, record-keeping, and ensuring safety.

JOB DUTIES

FILES, RECORDS, AND DOCUMENTATION

• Name-to-face checks
• Fill out accident reports as needed
• Maintain cleaning records
• Fill out and send home low supply notices and Oh-No Reports
• Document behaviors, concerns, or delays
• Maintain updated social media posts
• Utilize Playground software for documentation and parent relations

SUPERVISION

• Always ensure safety protocols are implemented and followed by children and staff. Report any unsafe situations to the Director immediately
• Never leave a child unattended
• Supervise employees in the following positions: Assistant Teacher, Float
• Ensure teacher/child ratios are maintained
• Responsible for direct care, protection, supervision, and guidance of children through active involvement or direct/active supervision (being seen and heard)
• Follow proper diapering guidelines outlined in the Montana State Licensing Regulations handbook
• Assist with toileting, toilet training, accidents, diapering, proper handwashing, and developing hygienic restroom habits
• Develop a system for introducing and facilitating toilet training
• Ensure daily class schedules are followed to provide a consistent and balanced program for the children
• Assist children during wind down and rest time
• Ensure and perform proper cleaning of equipment and the facility is completed daily
• Ensure classroom space, outdoor space, and equipment usage are used effectively
• Provide feedback to the Director on possible conflicts, problems, and/or improvements to the program

CLASSROOM AND CURRICULUM

• Provide child guidance using The Sunshine Academy-approved guidance techniques
• Encourage and guide children to solve conflicts using conflict mediation techniques
• Introduce and develop boundaries and personal space
• Encourage and support multi-cultural and socio-economic diversity
• Provide reasonable accommodations for children with special needs or disabilities
• Encourage and develop self-regulation and coping skills
• Voice concerns about developmental delays or behavioral issues to the Director
• Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly work environment
• Rotate center materials quarterly or as needed to meet the needs and interests of students
• Frogstreet curriculum implemented and modified to meet the needs of all students
• Plan and implement transition strategies that minimize wait times
• Curriculum posted weekly
• Montana Early Learning Standards (MELS) are met
• Update annual school supply lists
• Audit classroom supplies quarterly

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

• Dependable and reliable, organized, and trustworthy
• Punctual, prepared, minimal call-outs
• Energetic and positive
• Lead by example and ensure an environment of professionalism, moral integrity, high work ethic, respect, and diversity for the employees
• Notify the Director of special events or earned parties
• Practice ethical conduct as outlined in the NAEYC Code of Conduct
• Work with Assistant Teachers to create and maintain an environment of consistency
• Support Assistant Teachers in meeting their professional needs
• Maintain an open line of communication with the supervisor regarding staff concerns
• Maintain employee confidentiality
• Report any employee accidents to the supervisor
• Address staff concerns directly per the communication standard

PARENT/CLIENT RELATIONS

• Maintain positive parent communication
• Send low supply notices for extra clothes, diapers, pull-ups, etc.
• Schedule special events (open house, Christmas Concert, parent events)
• Weekly touch point/contact with parents
• Notify parents of accidents/incidents
• Assist with outside agencies in meeting developmental milestones
• Assist parents who have questions or concerns with their child’s care or direct them to the Director
• Maintain an open line of communication with the Director regarding all parent concerns
• Maintain child and client confidentiality
• Send parent communication through Playground

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

• Proactively assure all licensing requirements are always met
• Assist in performing all drills and safety requirements of The Sunshine Academy Risk Management Policies
• Assure all Health Department requirements are always met

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

• Monitor facilities for any safety issues and notify the supervisor of any hazards
• Monitor facilities for any items needing repair or replacement, repair if possible, or notify the Director

MISCELLANEOUS DUTIES

• Uphold all The Sunshine Academy policies and procedures
• Submit timely requested reports and information to the Director
• Assist the supervisor when needed with various projects
• Serve as an advocate for The Sunshine Academy and promote positive public relations
• Attend staff meetings
• Complete all other duties as assigned by the Director