The posting
Toddler Lead Teacher
Job Summary
Kiddie Academy is looking for a patient, nurturing, and energetic Toddler Lead Teacher to care for and teach our youngest walkers and talkers. In this role you'll create a safe, warm, and developmentally appropriate classroom where toddlers (roughly 12 to 36 months) build language, motor, social, and early self-help skills through play and routine. You'll own the daily planning, management, and supervision of the classroom, lead and mentor an Assistant Teacher, and serve as the main point of contact for families in your room.
Reports to: Academy Director
What You'll Do
- Plan and deliver daily activities using the Kiddie Academy Life Essentials® curriculum, with a focus on language development, sensory exploration, fine and gross motor skills, and early social-emotional growth.
- Set up hands-on, age-appropriate interest areas that invite toddlers to explore, move, and problem-solve safely.
- Build consistent, predictable routines for meals, diapering and toilet learning, naps, and transitions, and support each child's growing independence.
- Observe and document each child's development; complete developmental assessments and share progress with families during scheduled parent-teacher conferences throughout the year.
- Make sure every child's physical, social, and emotional needs are met each day, with plenty of one-on-one attention, comfort, and positive guidance.
- Supervise children closely during all activities, including meals, outdoor play, and rest time, and follow all health and safety policies.
- Keep the classroom clean, organized, and safe in line with NAEYC cleaning and sanitizing guidelines, including diapering and sanitizing procedures, and make sure classroom and outdoor equipment is in good working order.
- Complete all classroom paperwork accurately and on time, including daily notes (feeding, diapering, naps, mood), attendance, and incident reports.
- Direct the work of the Assistant Teacher so the classroom runs smoothly, and help evaluate classroom staff.
- Communicate openly and regularly with parents through daily updates, the Family Information Board, classroom bulletin boards, and the classroom section of the monthly newsletter.
- Attend staff meetings, Academy events, and parent meetings; help plan and run Academy-wide events.
- Meet with prospective families and represent the classroom and Academy in a welcoming, professional way.
- Follow all Tennessee Department of Human Services licensing regulations, including toddler ratio and group size requirements.
- Accept temporary assignments in other classrooms when regularly scheduled staff are unavailable, and perform other related duties as needed.
What We're Looking For
- Prior experience caring for or teaching toddlers in a licensed childcare setting (lead teacher experience preferred).
- CDA credential or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred; Associate's or Bachelor's degree a plus.
- Understanding of toddler development and developmentally appropriate practice, including positive guidance for this age group.
- Calm, patient, and flexible, with the energy to keep up with an active room of little ones.
- Clear, warm communicator with children, families, and coworkers.
- Dependable, organized, and comfortable leading a team.
- Must meet all state and local licensing requirements for the position, pass all state medical requirements, and clear a background check.
- Must complete the required annual training hours per state licensing.
- Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds to waist height consistently throughout the day, and be able to sit on the floor, stand, bend, kneel, and move actively with children.
Why Kiddie Academy
You'll join a supportive leadership team that values professional growth, a nationally recognized curriculum, and a community of families who are truly invested in their children's education.
Other related duties may be assigned or changed at any time with or without notice.
