Lead Toddler Teacher

Children's Land; Vernon Hills (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Land of Vernon Hills is seeking a Lead Toddler Teacher to create a nurturing, engaging classroom for toddlers, aligned with Illinois DCFS requirements.

You will plan age-appropriate activities, track development, and partner with families to support each child's growth while maintaining a safe, clean environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Previous experience working with toddlers or young children.
• Knowledge of DCFS requirements in Illinois.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Patience and a genuine love for working with toddlers.

Responsibilities

• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans encouraging growth.
• Monitor milestones and maintain progress records.
• Structure daily routine with play, learning, and rest.
• Ensure toddler safety by following protocols.
• Maintain clean, hygienic classroom.
• Collaborate with parents and share updates.
• Collaborate with staff for a cohesive team.
• Create educational materials to stimulate learning.
• Organize activities to boost exploration and motor skills.
• Participate in ongoing professional development.
• Stay updated on toddler education advances.

Skills

Lift 40 lbs

Active engagement

Multitask effectively

Sit/stand transitions

Behavior management

Empathy & communication

Observational skills

Creative lesson materials

Time management

Child development knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in ECE

Experience with toddlers

DCFS Illinois knowledge

CPR/First Aid

Communication & interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Patience with toddlers

Job description

At Children's Land, we are committed to providing a nurturing and educational environment where children can grow and learn. Our dedicated team works together with families to ensure the holistic development of every child. We believe in fostering a love for learning from a young age, setting the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity and growth.

The Lead Toddler Teacher at Children's Land of Vernon Hills is responsible for fostering a vibrant and nurturing learning environment where toddlers can explore, learn, and grow. This role requires a dynamic individual who can create engaging learning experiences that cater to the developmental needs of toddlers. A deep understanding of the DCFS requirements in Illinois is essential to ensure the highest standards of childcare and education.

Roles And Responsibilities

• Develop and follow age-appropriate lesson plans that encourage physical, emotional, and intellectual growth.
• Monitor toddlers' developmental milestones and maintain detailed records of their progress.
• Facilitate a structured daily routine that includes playtime, learning activities, and rest periods.
• Always ensure the safety of toddlers by adhering to safety protocols and guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and hygienic classroom environment to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
• Collaborate with parents to keep them informed about their child's development and any concerns.
• Work closely with other staff members to ensure a cohesive and cooperative working environment.
• Create and utilize educational materials to stimulate toddlers' senses and promote learning.
• Organize activities that encourage toddlers to explore their surroundings and develop their motor skills.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in early childhood education.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in toddler education and care.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Previous experience working with toddlers or young children.
• Knowledge of DCFS requirements in Illinois.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
• Patience and a genuine love for working with toddlers.

Skills

• Lift and carry children weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Stand for extended periods of time, run, and actively engage in play with children.
• Balance multiple tasks simultaneously (feeding, teaching, supervising) while remaining attentive and responsive.
• Transition quickly and easily between sitting (chair or floor) and standing positions.
• Effectively manage children's challenging behaviors.
• Demonstrate empathy and strong interpersonal skills to foster supportive, positive interactions with children and parents.
• Strong observational and analytical skills.
• Creativity in developing educational materials and activities.
• Ability to manage time effectively and multitask.
• Strong understanding of child development and early childhood education best practices.