Lead Toddler Teacher

Lead Toddler Teacher | Early Childhood Education

Nettles Academy | 105 Jules Ave, New Orleans, LA 70121 | Full-Time | On-Site

Nettles Academy Website

Nettles Academy is an early learning center committed to providing children with a safe, clean, calm, and nurturing environment where they can learn, explore, and grow. The Academy serves children through Infant, Toddler, and Preschool programs
, with additional before/after-school and summer programs.

We are seeking a Lead Toddler Teacher who is dependable, nurturing, energetic, and confident in managing a classroom of young children.

This is a full-time, on-site position for someone looking for a consistent, long-term opportunity in early childhood education. The ideal candidate has hands‑on toddler experience, understands child development, and can create a structured yet engaging classroom environment.

Because Nettles Academy serves children from infancy through preschool
, flexibility to support different age groups when needed is important.

• Lead and manage a toddler classroom
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and lesson plans
• Support children's social‑emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development
• Establish consistent classroom routines and expectations
• Use positive and developmentally appropriate behavior‑management strategies
• Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom
• Observe and document children's developmental progress
• Communicate professionally with parents and guardians
• Adapt activities to meet individual children's needs
• Support children with developmental or special needs
• Work collaboratively with other teachers and center staff
• Support other classrooms or age groups when needed

• Professional experience in early childhood education or childcare
• Hands‑on experience working with toddlers
• Experience working with young children in a daycare, preschool, or early learning environment
• Experience implementing age‑appropriate activities or lesson plans
• Knowledge of child development
• Classroom and behavior‑management experience
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to maintain a safe and nurturing classroom
• Ability to work effectively as part of a teaching team
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Ability to commit to a consistent, ongoing full‑time schedule
• Comfortable working with different early childhood age groups when needed
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a busy classroom

• CDA or other Early Childhood Education credential
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education/Education
• Experience working with infants and preschool‑aged children
• Experience with children with special needs
• Early intervention experience
• Montessori experience or training
• Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification
• Medication Administration training

The right candidate understands that working in childcare is a professional commitment
, not occasional or gig‑based work.

You should be:

• Reliable — You understand that consistent attendance matters to children, families, and the teaching team.
• Flexible — You are comfortable supporting different classrooms and age groups when needed.
• Patient under pressure — You can manage multiple children's needs while remaining calm and professional.
• Hands‑on — You enjoy actively engaging, teaching, and caring for young children.
• Team‑oriented — You communicate and collaborate effectively with other educators.
• Child‑centered — You prioritize children's safety, development, and emotional well‑being.