Lead Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

CDA program

Job summary

The Gardner School of Eagan is hiring a Lead Toddler Teacher to join our state-of-the-art preschool. Lead with care, plan engaging lessons, mentor assistants, and build strong relationships with families.

Requirements include a CDA or Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred), CPR/First Aid, 2+ years of early childhood experience, and eligibility to work in the U.S. Strong English and basic PC skills are essential. We offer competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• CDA or Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s in ECE preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• 2+ years of early childhood education experience (lead or co-lead preferred).
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model core values.
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.

Skills

Classroom leadership

Mentoring staff

Family engagement

English communication

Education

CDA or Associate's degree

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related

Tools

CPR/First Aid certification

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 Eagan! We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Toddler Teacher working in our State-of-the-Art facility. At The Gardner School of Eagan, 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 excellence
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment

What We Offer

• Competitive Pay: The starting pay range is $18.70-$23.10 per hour, based on education and experience
• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; 401(k) with company match; childcare tuition discount; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities
• Career 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:

• CDA or Associate's degree (required); Bachelor’s degree in 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.