Toddler Teacher

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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)

• 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