Toddler Lead Teacher

Rainbow Childcare Monroe, Inc.; Indiana; On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Leave

Sick Leave

Retirement Plan

Child Care Discount

Professional Development

Health Insurance

401k

Short Term Disability

Vacation Time

Paid Holidays & Paid Birthday

Paid Continuing Education & Access to

Sign on Bonus

50% Tuition Discount

Job summary

Rainbow Childcare Monroe, Inc. is seeking a dedicated Lead Toddler Teacher to guide a small classroom of 2- to 2.5-year-olds. You will develop age-appropriate activities, foster social and cognitive growth, and collaborate with families and staff to support each child’s development.

The role emphasizes leadership, strong communication, and organization to maintain a safe, engaging environment and compliant operations. This position is on site and involves ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent per WI DPI.
• At least 240 hours of experience as an assistant child care teacher or in similar settings.
• One of: multiple credential/education options listed by WI DPI.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment.
• Support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Establish consistent daily routines and classroom structure.
• Observe, assess, and document children’s progress and milestones.
• Foster positive behavior and guide children with appropriate discipline strategies.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding child progress and needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-equipped classroom.
• Ensure compliance with licensing, health, and safety regulations.
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet individual learning styles and needs.
• Encourage language development through conversation, reading, and play.
• Promote independence, self-help skills, and positive peer interactions.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Build a welcoming and inclusive classroom community.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Curriculum planning

Observation & assessment

Parent communication

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education

Wisconsin Registry credentials or equivalent

CPR/First Aid certification

State teaching license or credential

Tools

Child assessment tools

Job description

About This Role

We are seeking a dedicated and nurturing Lead Toddler Teacher to guide a classroom of children ages 2-2.5 years. This role focuses on creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that supports early social, emotional, and cognitive growth. The ideal candidate will plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum, encourage curiosity and independence, and foster positive relationships with children, families, and staff. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, along with a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to helping young learners thrive. This classroom can have up to 6 children.

What You'll Do

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities
• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment
• Support children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Establish consistent daily routines and classroom structure
• Observe, assess, and document children’s progress and milestones
• Foster positive behavior and guide children using appropriate discipline strategies
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding child progress and needs
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-equipped classroom
• Ensure compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations
• Adapt teaching strategies to meet individual learning styles and needs
• Encourage language development through conversation, reading, and play
• Promote independence, self-help skills, and positive peer interactions
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development
• Build a welcoming and inclusive classroom community

Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have completed high school or its equivalent, as determined by the Wisconsin department of public instruction.
• Have at least 240 hours of experience as an assistant child care teacher in a group child care center, as a licensed family child care provider, or in another approved early childhood setting.
• At least one of the following:
  • Four credits in early childhood education or its equivalent.
  • Two non-credit department-approved courses in early childhood education (Introduction to the Child Care Profession and Skills and Strategies for the Child Care Teacher or the assistant child care teacher or child care teacher training programs approved by the Wisconsin department of public instruction).
  • Two credits in early childhood education and one noncredit department-approved course in early childhood education.
  • A certificate from the Wisconsin Registry indicating that the person is qualified as a child care teacher.
  • The Registry Preschool Credential.
  • The Registry Infant Toddler Credential.
  • Forty-eight credits from an institution of higher education with at least 3 credits in early childhood education or its equivalent.
  • A one-year child care diploma in child care or early childhood education from an institution of higher education.
  • An associate degree in early childhood education or child care from an institution of higher education.
  • A Child Development Associate credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
  • Certificate from American Montessori Society, Association Montessori International, or Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.
  • A license issued by the Wisconsin department of public instruction or the appropriate authority in another state to be a pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or early childhood regular or special education teacher. The license may not be a one-year license with stipulations (formerly known as an emergency license); a 3-year, short-term substitute license; or a 5-year long-term substitute license, as defined by the Wisconsin department of public instruction.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Prior experience in a lead teaching role or supervising staff
• Familiarity with play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or similar teaching philosophies
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience with child assessment tools and developmental screenings
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities
• Strong classroom management and behavior guidance skills
• Experience integrating music, art, or sensory activities into the curriculum
• Comfort using technology for communication, documentation, and lesson planning
• Knowledge of state licensing requirements and early childhood regulations
• Experience working with children with diverse learning needs or special needs
• Strong parent communication and relationship-building skills
• Creative, flexible, and adaptable teaching style
• Passion for continuous learning and professional development
• Ability to contribute to curriculum planning and program improvement
• Wisconsin Registry level of at least 7 or higher.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Health Insurance
• 401k
• Short Term Disability (employee paid)
• Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays & Paid Birthday
• Paid Continuing Education & Access to College Scholarships
• Sign on Bonus
• 50% Tuition Discount