Lead Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School; Saint Louis Park (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with company match

Childcare tuition discount

Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Gardner School is hiring a lead classroom teacher in Minnesota. You will guide and inspire a developmentally appropriate program, mentor assistant teachers, and build strong relationships with families and children.

Applicants should have an Associates Degree or CDA and CPR/First Aid certification. The role emphasizes safety, engagement, and ongoing professional development in a mission-driven preschool environment.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree or CDA is required.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Responsibilities

• 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, 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.

Skills

Teaching

Mentoring staff

Relationship building

Lesson planning

Classroom safety

Education

Associates Degree or CDA

BS/BA in Elementary or Early Childhood Education (preferred)

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.

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
• Minnesota 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 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 :

• 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.