The Infant Room Lead Teacher provides attentive, developmentally appropriate care for infants ages 6 weeks to 18 months in a nurturing, safe, and responsive environment. This position supports children's physical, emotional, and social development while adhering to all VDOE licensing regulations and health and safety standards. Responsibilities include designing and implementing individualized routines, monitoring developmental milestones, ensuring safe sleep practices, and maintaining communication with families. This position reports to the Director of the Child Care Center.
Key Responsibilities
Infant Care & Safety
• Provide attentive, individualized care including diapering, feeding, bottle preparation, and soothing
• Ensure safe sleep environments in accordance with current SIDS prevention guidelines
• Follow and document infant feeding plans (breast milk, formula, or combination)
• Adhere to health, sanitation, and safe sleep procedures at all times
• Monitor infant health, behavior, and developmental changes and document accordingly
• Ensure secure daily check-in/out procedures, including handoff protocols with guardians
• Maintain classroom cleanliness, sanitization routines, and proper storage of materials
Developmental Support
• Support early development in fine motor, gross motor, sensory, language, and social-emotional domains
• Establish and follow developmentally appropriate daily schedules including naps, floor time, and sensory play
• Develop individualized lesson plans and adapt approaches based on each child's needs and abilities
• Track progress through ongoing observation and maintain updated developmental records
Communication & Family Engagement
• Provide regular, documented updates to families regarding feeding, behavior, routines, and developmental milestones
• Communicate respectfully and professionally with parents and guardians about infant needs, behaviors, or concerns
• Participate in family meetings or conferences as needed
Collaboration & Classroom Management
• Coordinate with support teachers and classroom assistants to maintain consistent routines
• Promote positive, responsive interactions with infants to build trust and security
• Organize and monitor daily transitions, including feeding, naps, and playtimes
• Maintain adequate inventory of classroom supplies, hygiene products, and educational materials
• Follow the Emergency Preparedness Plan in case of a medical or safety emergency
Minimum Job Requirements
• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience working with infants in a licensed early childhood setting or related field
• Successful completion of state-regulated background check
Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds
• Frequent bending, lifting, floor-level engagement, and active supervision
• Ability to respond quickly to infant needs and ensure safety at all times
Preferred Qualifications
Experience:
• Minimum 1 year infant/toddler care experience
• Previous classroom leadership experience preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with Infant/Toddler concentration
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification
• Familiarity with VDOE infant care standards and safe sleep requirements
75% tuition discount for first child if that child is under 2-years-old, free tuition if that child is over 2-years-old, and 50% off for any additional children (if space permits).
2 days PTO accrual per month after the 90 day introductory period.
Staff appreciation and yearly bonuses.
Free yearly training and professional development.
Forest Hill Child Care Center exists to nurture a love of learning in children, to prepare them for a transition into school, and to build relationships with families in the community.
Our vision is to create a vibrant community where every child discovers their unique potential, every family feels supported, and a lifelong love of learning begins in a nurturing and inspiring environment.
