Lead Toddler Teacher

Sunshine Academy; Palm Coast (FL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

3% retirement match

Childcare discount

Paid training and continuing education

Consistent schedules

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

Sunshine Academy in Palm Coast, FL is seeking a Lead Toddler Teacher who is creative, organized, and dependable to own a classroom. You will plan play-based activities, foster language and social-emotional growth, and guide a team of assistants to deliver consistent, high-quality care.

Engage families with clear communication, maintain safe routines, and uphold licensing standards while advocating for children’s curiosity and independence.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with toddlers in a licensed childcare setting.
• Ability to meet Florida DCF training and LEVEL 2 background screening requirements.
• National or Florida CDA or Degree in Education.
• Strong communication, organizational, and classroom leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead with purpose: Create a safe, nurturing, organized, and engaging classroom where toddlers feel valued and supported.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities through play, music, movement, stories, sensory exploration, and hands-on experiences.
• Support development: Encourage language, social-emotional growth, independence, early problem-solving, and age-appropriate skills.
• Build positive relationships: Develop meaningful connections with children, families, and coworkers.
• Guide with patience: Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies to support toddler behavior and emotional development.
• Take ownership: Maintain classroom routines, lesson plans, learning materials, documentation, and daily responsibilities.
• Lead your team: Support and guide assistant teachers through positive communication, teamwork, and clear expectations.
• Prioritize safety: Maintain active supervision and follow all childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Keep growing: Participate in professional development and continuously strengthen teaching practices.

Skills

Toddler care

Communication

Leadership

Organization

Education

High school diploma

CDA or Education degree

Florida DCF training

LEVEL 2 background screening

Tools

Conscious Discipline

Frog Street curriculum

CLASS

Job description

Inspire. Teach. Grow. Join Sunshine Academy!

Little learners. Big milestones. An opportunity to make a difference every day!

Sunshine Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, nurturing, and dependable Lead Toddler Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and ready to take ownership of a classroom.

Toddlers are curious, energetic, and full of personality! We are looking for an educator who embraces this exciting stage of development and knows how to turn everyday moments into meaningful learning experiences.

The ideal candidate is creative, organized, patient, and self-motivated. Someone who enjoys being actively involved with children, builds strong relationships with families, and inspires a positive classroom environment.

What You'll Do

• Lead with purpose: Create a safe, nurturing, organized, and engaging classroom where toddlers feel valued and supported.
• Make learning exciting: Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities through play, music, movement, stories, sensory exploration, and hands-on experiences.
• Support development: Encourage language, social-emotional growth, independence, early problem-solving, and age-appropriate skills.
• Build positive relationships: Develop meaningful connections with children, families, and coworkers.
• Guide with patience: Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies to support toddler behavior and emotional development.
• Take ownership: Maintain classroom routines, lesson plans, learning materials, documentation, and daily responsibilities.
• Lead your team: Support and guide assistant teachers through positive communication, teamwork, and clear expectations.
• Prioritize safety: Maintain active supervision and follow all childcare licensing, health, and safety requirements.
• Keep growing: Participate in professional development and continuously strengthen teaching practices.

What Makes You a Great Fit?

We are looking for someone who:

• Is dependable, punctual, and committed to their classroom and team.
• Genuinely enjoys working with toddlers and understands their developmental needs.
• Brings positive energy, creativity, patience, and enthusiasm to the classroom.
• Takes initiative and follows through without constant direction.
• Communicates clearly and professionally with families and coworkers.
• Is organized, flexible, and confident leading classroom routines.
• Welcomes feedback and is motivated to grow as an early childhood educator.
• Understands that great teaching begins with strong relationships and meaningful interactions.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with toddlers in a licensed childcare setting.
• Ability to meet Florida DCF training and LEVEL 2 background screening requirements.
• National or Florida CDA or Degree in Education
• Strong communication, organizational, and classroom leadership skills.

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a Lead Toddler Teacher.
• Familiarity with Conscious Discipline, Frog Street curriculum, or CLASS.

Why Sunshine Academy?

At Sunshine Academy, we believe that when teachers feel supported, children thrive. We value educators who bring dedication, creativity, and professionalism to their classrooms.

We offer:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• 3% retirement match
• Childcare discount
• Paid training and continuing education opportunities
• Consistent schedules
• Supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth

Ready to Inspire Little Learners?

If you love working with toddlers, enjoy creating meaningful learning experiences, and are ready to lead a classroom where children can explore, discover, and grow, we want to hear from you!

Join Sunshine Academy — where little moments create big beginnings.

DCF License # C07FL0036