Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher

THE MIDWEST PLAYHOUSE LLC; O’Fallon (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

The Midwest Playhouse Learning Center is seeking a Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher to provide nurturing care for children ages 6 weeks to 24 months in a faith-centered environment. You will lead the classroom, mentor assistants, and collaborate with families to support each child’s development.

Responsibilities include planning age-appropriate activities, ensuring licensing compliance, documenting daily milestones, and maintaining a loving, secure classroom that aligns with our Christ-centered

Qualifications

• Experience leading an infant or toddler classroom.
• Knowledge of infant and toddler development and licensing requirements.
• Strong communication with families and team members.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily classroom routines and activities.
• Mentor assistant teachers and maintain licensing readiness.
• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans and monitor children's development.
• Maintain accurate documentation and foster family partnerships.
• Ensure safety, cleanliness and organized learning environments.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Child development

Safety knowledge

Education

CDA / Associate/Bachelor in ECE

Job description

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development

At The Midwest Playhouse Learning Center, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, learning, laughter, and God's love. We are looking for educators who are passionate about making a lasting impact in the lives of children while partnering with families to prepare each child for kindergarten—and for life.

Job Summary

The Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher is responsible for providing exceptional, nurturing care for children ages 6 weeks through 24 months in a safe, loving, Christ-centered environment. This position leads the classroom by creating meaningful developmental experiences, maintaining consistent routines, ensuring licensing compliance, mentoring assistant teachers, and building trusting relationships with families.

At The Midwest Playhouse, we believe every diaper change, bottle feeding, cuddle, and conversation is an opportunity to help children feel loved, secure, and valued.

Primary Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership

• Lead all daily classroom routines and activities.
• Create a warm, calm, and engaging environment where infants and toddlers feel safe and loved.
• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans focused on developmental milestones.
• Supervise and mentor assistant teachers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom.
• Ensure all classroom supplies are stocked and prepared.

Child Development

Plan and implement activities that encourage:

Infants

• Tummy Time
• Sensory Exploration
• Language Development
• Fine & Gross Motor Skills
• Music & Movement
• Baby Sign Language
• Social Interaction
• Individualized Play Experiences

Toddlers

• Early Literacy
• Language Development
• Fine & Gross Motor Skills
• Art Exploration
• Sensory Activities
• Outdoor PlaySocial Skills
• Independence & Self-Help Skills
• Bible Stories & Character Development

Individualized Care

Provide individualized care based on each child's schedule and developmental needs, including:

• Bottle preparation and feedings
• Meal and snack assistance
• Diaper changes and potty learning support
• Safe sleep practices
• Nap routines
• Comforting and soothing children
• Medication administration (when authorized)
• Monitoring developmental milestones

Playground App Requirements

Responsible for maintaining complete and accurate daily documentation.

Minimum Daily Entries

• 8-10 quality photos per child
• 1 video per child whenever possible
• All bottles, meals, and snacks documented
• All diaper changes and potty records documented
• Nap documentation completed
• Daily note completed before dismissal

Required Learning Documentation

• Tummy Time
• Sensory Activity
• Music & Movement
• Outdoor Time
• Gross Motor Activity
• Language Development Activity
• Story Time
• Bible Lesson or Character Development
• Teacher-Led Activity

Documentation should showcase each child's learning and development while keeping families informed throughout the day.

Health & Safety

• Follow Missouri childcare licensing regulations at all times.
• Maintain required classroom ratios.
• Conduct daily health checks.
• Follow safe sleep practices without exception.
• Sanitize toys, equipment, and high-touch surfaces regularly.
• Maintain accurate medication and incident documentation.
• Immediately report illnesses, injuries, or safety concerns to leadership.

Parent Communication

Build trusting relationships with families by:

• Greeting families warmly each day.
• Providing meaningful updates during drop-off and pick-up.
• Maintaining timely Playground documentation.
• Communicating concerns professionally and promptly.
• Celebrating developmental milestones with families.
• Maintaining confidentiality.

Classroom Management

• Use positive guidance and redirection techniques.
• Model patience, kindness, and respect.
• Encourage exploration while maintaining consistent routines.
• Foster secure attachments with children.
• Create an environment that promotes emotional security and independence.

Team Leadership

• Lead assistant teachers with professionalism and encouragement.
• Delegate classroom responsibilities effectively.
• Assist with training new employees.
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing professional development.
• Model teamwork and flexibility throughout the center.

Licensing & Professional Development

Must maintain:

• Current CPR & First Aid Certification
• Safe Sleep Certification
• Missouri-required annual training hours
• Current background screenings
• Food Program (CACFP) compliance knowledgeKnowledge of Missouri licensing regulations

Performance Expectations

The Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher will consistently:

• Maintain a loving, responsive classroom environment.
• Complete all Playground documentation accurately and on time.
• Keep the classroom clean, organized, and licensing-ready.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.
• Mentor assistant teachers and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Meet developmental milestones through intentional, engaging activities.
• Ensure the highest standards of health, safety, and supervision.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• CDA, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education (or willingness to obtain required credentials)
• Experience leading an infant or toddler classroom
• Knowledge of infant and toddler development
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and actively engage with young children throughout the day
• Passion for nurturing young children in a faith-based learning environment

Core Values

Every Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher at The Midwest Playhouse Learning Center is expected to:

• Love every child as if they were your own.
• Create a safe, joyful, and Christ-centered environment.
• Partner with families through open, honest communication.
• Lead with integrity, patience, and compassion.
• Model excellence in caregiving, teaching, and teamwork.
• Help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning through nurturing relationships and purposeful play.