Summary

We are searching for a nurturing toddler teacher to ensure that the basic and educational needs of our students are met. As a toddler teacher, you will be required to prepare and deliver classroom activities, communicate with staff and parents, and ensure that the learning environment remains safe at all times. You should also be an excellent role model for our students.

To be successful as a toddler teacher, you should be creative, energetic, and able to encourage self-expression. Top candidates will possess a thorough understanding of the contextual factors that shape early childhood development.

Toddler teachers are able to care for and instruct children between the ages of 1 and 3 years to ensure that they acquire developmentally-appropriate knowledge and skills.

Duties

• Planning and delivering lessons designed to facilitate students' social, emotional, and cognitive development.
• Encouraging self-expression through understanding, flexibility, and behavioral reinforcement.
• Tending to students' basic needs by feeding and dressing them.
• Mediating conflict between students.
• Modelling appropriate behaviors, even when not on duty.
• Ensuring that the classroom remains safe and conducive to learning at all times.
• Liaising with families to gain insight into students' home lives.
• Tracking and informing parents of students' progress.
• Attending parent and staff meetings.
• Prior experience in teaching within this age group.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for early childhood development.
• Formulating and implementing curricula in accordance with students' developmental trajectories.
• Documenting and reporting on students' progress at regular intervals.
• Adhering to legal and educational requirements to ensure students' well-being.

Knowledge of the following:

• Principles of child development, child care, preschool and infant/toddler activities
• Preparation and implementation of lesson plans appropriate to a preschool or toddler environment
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Observation and assessment skills in evaluating the developmental progress of children
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Requirements of maintaining preschool areas in a safe clean and orderly condition
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Oral and written communication skills.

Ability to do the following:

• Participate in the development and implementation of the preschool or toddler curriculum.
• Plan, prepare, and implement a variety of preschool or toddler learning activities for children.
• Demonstrate and assist in the preschool or toddler development process for the center.
• Maintain a clean and healthy preschool environment, which facilitates learning and development.
• Oversee and motivate children’s learning activities.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations to parents, students.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Relate effectively with children and families in relation to cultural, social and economic background. 

Requirements

• Child Development Associate or 60 credit hours towards child development degree
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Clear criminal record.
• Ability to pass a Drug Test and periodic screenings
• Prior experience working with young children, preferably within a similar setting.
• Basic first aid training is advantageous.
• Physically fit and able to lift up to 70 pounds.
• Warm, approachable disposition.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work during evenings and on weekends, as required.
• A passion for early childhood development.

Nice To Haves

• Valid state license or equivalent.
• Proven experience in curriculum development and implementation.
• Prior experience in teaching within this age group.
• If hired for Toddler Program must have or be willing to completed Virginia State Standards for continuing education credits for Toddlers, meeting Virginia State Regulations for the center's Toddler Program.  

Benefits

• AFLAC Benefits
• Student Loan Forgiveness Eligible Organization
• Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program for Trainings