Lead Toddler Teacher

Summary

About New Hope for Families

At New Hope for Families, we believe strong families build strong futures. Our mission is to keep families together and help children thrive through safe shelter and high-quality early learning.

The New Hope Early Learning Center serves up to 54 children across four thoughtfully designed classrooms. We provide child-centered care rooted in Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) and use an innovative continuity of care model that fosters deep, secure relationships between teachers and children.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards—earning Level 4 Paths to Quality and national accreditation—while remaining deeply committed to equity. Half of our enrollment spots in every classroom are reserved for families who have experienced homelessness, ensuring access to excellent early learning for those who need it most.

None of this is possible without an exceptional team. We are excited to welcome a compassionate, skilled educator to join our community.

About the Toddler Co-Lead Role

The Toddler Co-Lead Teacher is a key member of a collaborative classroom team, working alongside one other lead teacher and two assistant teachers to care for and educate 10–14 toddlers ages 1–3.

As a Co-Lead, you will:

• Collaborate on curriculum planning and classroom structure
• Create a warm, engaging, and predictable learning environment
• Build strong, trusting relationships with children through our continuity of care model
• Mentor and guide assistant teachers and volunteers

You’ll also partner closely with families, communicating through Brightwheel, participating in parent-teacher conferences, and connecting during daily drop-off and pick-up moments.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate:

• Has a strong understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
• Embraces a child-centered, whole-child approach to learning
• Works well in a collaborative, team-based environment
• Values relationship-based care with children and families
• Is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families

Schedule & Support

• Center hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Co-Leads share 8-hour shifts, typically starting at 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, or 9:30 AM
• One hour of paid lunch daily
• At least two hours of paid prep time per week, often more

We prioritize teacher well-being, professional collaboration, and the time you need to do your best work.

Why Join New Hope?

At New Hope for Families, you’re not just teaching toddlers—you’re helping build stability, confidence, and opportunity for children and families. If you’re looking for meaningful work in a supportive, mission-driven environment, we’d love to meet you.

Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Open and/or close the classroom in accordance with center schedules and procedures
• Collaborate with the Co-Lead Teacher to develop and implement play-based, child-led lesson plans aligned with children’s interests and developmental needs
• Implement lesson plans as a team, working closely with assistant teachers to ensure consistent, high-quality care and learning experiences
• Provide effective classroom management, including offering guidance, direction, and support to assistant teachers to meet daily classroom needs
• Foster a nurturing, inclusive environment using positive, respectful approaches to guide children’s learning and behavior
• Apply Positive Discipline strategies consistently in all aspects of classroom interaction
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom, including (but not limited to) sweeping, mopping, sanitizing toys and materials, and completing laundry as needed
• Maintain compliance with all required state licensing and professional development trainings
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and collaborative planning activities

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or higher degree in Early Childhood Education or a related Early Learning field
• Willingness to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal background check and drug screening, as required by licensing regulations
• Ability to complete and maintain a physical examination and TB test in compliance with state and licensing requirements

Nice To Haves

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) and a whole-child approach to early learning
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team-oriented educator
• Familiarity with Paths to Quality standards and commitment to maintaining high-quality early learning environments

Benefits

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Life insurance provided by the employer
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Employee childcare discount
• Generous paid time off
• Parental leave benefits
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

About Us

New Hope for Families provides shelter and early learning programs that keep families together and lift children into a promising future. Our Early Learning Center has four classrooms, Infants, Ones, Twos and a PreK. We can enroll up to forty-eight children and half of our enrollment is reserved for children who have experienced homelessness. The New Hope ELC is a Paths To Quality Level 3 school, and is pursuing Level 4and national accreditation.