Twos/Toddler Teacher - Chesapeake

Apple Tree Kids; Chesapeake (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision

Paid vacation and sick time

Professional development

Career growth

Team-focused environment

Meaningful impact

Job summary

Apple Tree Learning Center is seeking a passionate Lead Preschool Teacher to join our team. You will provide high-quality care and education to young children, supporting their development. Create a safe, nurturing classroom and plan developmentally appropriate lessons.

Engage children through play, art, music, movement, and literacy. Collaborate with teachers, center management, and families; maintain records; follow Virginia licensing requirements; and participate in ongoing professional

Qualifications

• Experience in a childcare center or preschool setting.
• Knowledge of Virginia childcare licensing regulations.
• Ability to plan developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Strong family communication and involvement.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Provide hands-on learning experiences through play, exploration, art, music, movement, and literacy.
• Support children's social-emotional development and positive behavior.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children and families.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, assessments, and documentation.
• Follow curriculum guidelines and Virginia childcare licensing requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and families.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, center management, and curriculum support staff.
• Participate in professional development and ongoing training.
• Supervise children at all times and maintain appropriate classroom ratios and safety standards.

Skills

early childhood education

child development

team player

creative leadership

communication skills

professionalism

fast-paced childcare

safety standards

Education

CDA

Associate’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Early Childhood Education coursework

Job description

Description

Lead Preschool Teacher / Early Childhood Educator

Apple Tree Learning Center is looking for a passionate, dependable, and nurturing Lead Preschool Teacher to join our team! We are seeking an energetic Early Childhood Educator who loves working with young children and is committed to creating a safe, positive, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.

If you are someone who believes that children learn best through meaningful interactions, hands‑on experiences, play, and positive relationships, we would love to meet you!

What You'll Do

As a Lead Preschool Teacher, you will be responsible for providing high‑quality care and education to young children while supporting their social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.

Responsibilities include:

• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Provide hands‑on learning experiences through play, exploration, art, music, movement, and literacy.
• Support children's social‑emotional development and positive behavior.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children and families.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, assessments, and documentation.
• Follow curriculum guidelines and Virginia childcare licensing requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting classroom.
• Communicate regularly and professionally with parents and families.
• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers, center management, and curriculum support staff.
• Participate in professional development and ongoing training.
• Supervise children at all times and maintain appropriate classroom ratios and safety standards.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for candidates who are:

• Passionate about early childhood education and child development
• Warm, patient, dependable, and nurturing
• Energetic and enthusiastic about working with young children
• Creative and comfortable leading classroom activities
• Strong communicators and team players
• Professional and reliable
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced childcare environment
• Committed to maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
• Willing to learn, grow, and participate in ongoing professional development

Preferred qualifications:

• Previous experience in a childcare center, preschool, daycare, pre‑K, early childhood education, or Head Start program
• CDA, Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, or a related field
• Experience with lesson planning, classroom management, developmental assessments, and family communication
• Knowledge of Virginia childcare licensing regulations is a plus

Why Join Apple Tree Learning Center?

At Apple Tree, we believe our teachers are one of the most important parts of creating an exceptional environment for children to learn, thrive, and grow.

We offer eligible full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• Supportive leadership and curriculum coaching
• A team‑focused work environment
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families every day