Head Toddler Teacher

Location and

Job Title:

Head Toddler Teacher
JCC of Stamford
1035 Newfield Ave
Stamford, CT 06905

Kinder Place is a developmentally based, Reggio Emilia inspired, high quality program which provides a rich early learning experience. We are searching for an experienced Head Toddler Teacher to join our school. This educator serves as a responsive guide, observer, and collaborator, supporting young children as they develop language, independence, social‑emotional skills, and confidence through play, exploration, and relationships.

Educators work together with their team to develop, implement, and evaluate the classroom pedagogy, to provide a quality educational program reflecting the goals and values of the school. Educators monitor the development and learning of the children and partner with families in sharing this information.

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences based on the interests, needs, and developmental stages of two‑year‑old children.
• Create play‑based, inquiry‑driven opportunities that encourage exploration, language growth, movement, sensory learning, and social interaction.
• Support emerging early literacy, problem‑solving, self‑help, and foundational math concepts through hands‑on experiences.
• Provide opportunities for children to express themselves through art, music, movement, dramatic play, building, and conversation.
• Balance active exploration with predictable routines that support security and confidence.
• Observe children regularly to understand developmental progress, interests, and learning styles.

• Create a warm, safe, and organized indoor and outdoor classroom environments that support curiosity and independence.
• Maintain learning areas with open‑ended materials, sensory experiences, natural elements, and provocations appropriate for toddlers.
• Ensure materials are accessible, inviting, and rotated regularly based on children's interests.
• Document children's experiences through notes, photographs, portfolios, and displays.
• Use observations and documentation to inform planning and communicate learning with families.
• Utilize the JCC outdoor campus to facilitate a connection with nature.

• Foster secure relationships and a classroom culture rooted in kindness, empathy, and belonging.
• Support children in developing self‑regulation, emotional expression, turn‑taking, and peer relationships.
• Use gentle, responsive guidance strategies that are developmentally appropriate for toddlers.
• Support independence in routines such as toileting, dressing, feeding, and clean‑up as developmentally appropriate.

• Build respectful, trusting relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly regarding daily routines, milestones, classroom experiences, and child progress.
• Conduct conferences and share documentation of children's learning and development.
• Welcome family culture, traditions, and perspectives into classroom life.

• Bachelor's or Associates degree in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor's or Associates degree in Child Development
• Bachelor's or Associates degree in Elementary Education with early childhood coursework
• Bachelor's or Associates degree in Related field

Preferred qualifications often include:

• Connecticut Early Childhood Teacher Credential

• 2+ years teaching toddlers
• Experience in a full‑day classroom setting
• Experience with emergent curriculum
• Experience with Reggio Emilia‑inspired practices
• Experience with play‑based learning
• Experience with project‑based learning

• Strong understanding of child development
• Ability to create developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Classroom management skills using positive guidance
• Experience documenting children's learning and progress
• Strong communication with families
• Collaboration with co‑teachers and specialists

• CPR/First Aid certification
• Medication Administration certification (preferred or required in some programs)
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Mandated reporter training
• Health and immunization documentation

• Ability to use classroom documentation platforms
• Written observations and assessments
• Portfolio documentation and parent communication tools

$55,000 - $65,000