Our Toddler Teachers create a nurturing, responsive, and relationship-based environment where our youngest learners feel safe, secure, and deeply connected. Rooted in nature-based philosophy, this role supports infant development through sensory-rich experiences, outdoor exploration (weather permitting), and meaningful interactions.
The Toddler Teacher understands that caregiving is curriculum — every diaper change, bottle feeding, and cuddle is an opportunity for connection, language development, and trust-building. They also utilize the environment to help deliver lesson plans through meaningful, child-led experiences.
What You'll Do
Responsive Care & Relationships
- Provide warm, consistent, and attuned care to each child
- Follow feeding, sleeping, and care schedules.
- Build secure attachments through responsive communication and nurturing interactions.
- Partner closely with families to ensure continuity between home and school.
Nature-Based Learning
- Safely introduce infants to outdoor experiences daily, following licensing and weather guidelines.
- Incorporate natural materials (pinecones, leaves, water, sand, light, textures) into sensory exploration.
- Encourage curiosity, wonder, and early environmental awareness.
Health & Safety
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment.
- Follow all state licensing regulations and center policies.
- Adhere to safe sleep practices and sanitation procedures.
- Conduct daily health checks and maintain accurate documentation.
Observation & Documentation
- Observe and document developmental milestones.
- Communicate regularly with families about their child’s growth and daily experiences.
- Use observation to guide individualized planning and classroom setup.
- Work collaboratively with co-teachers and leadership.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and reflective practices.
- Maintain open, respectful communication with team members.
Requirements
- Is calm, patient, and deeply nurturing.
- Values outdoor play and nature as a teacher.
- Understands that babies learn through relationships and sensory exploration.
- Embraces teamwork and open communication.
- Finds joy in the small moments — first words, first steps, first discoveries.
Requirements of this position:
- DCF Foundational Courses completed or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment
- Infant/toddler coursework required (per state regulations) or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment
- Experience working with infants in a licensed childcare setting
- Knowledge of child development and responsive caregiving practices
- CPR/First Aid/Pediatric First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
Nice To Have
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Environmental Education, or a related field
- Nature-Based Early Childhood Education credential
- Coursework in outdoor learning, environmental education, or place-based education
- Experience working in a nature-based or outdoor early learning program
- Experience incorporating natural materials into curriculum and sensory exploration
- Familiarity with play-based, or child-led learning approaches
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Assistance
- Child Care Discount
- Professional Development
- Flexible Schedule
- Starting Pay: $16–$22 per hour, based on experience and qualifications
- 5 nine-hour days (with 1-hour break)
- 4 ten-hour days (with 30–60 minute break)
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time Off (PTO) with the ability to accrue additional time off
- Discounted childcare for staff
- Paid training and professional development
- Access to the TEACH Early Childhood® Scholarship Program
- Opportunity to attend a nature-based early childhood conference paid by Lake Edge
- Optional Aflac supplemental insurance coverage with a $50 employer contribution
- Paid Planning time
Minimum Education : High School or Equivalent