Assistant Toddler Teacher in Knoxville, TN

Summary

We are seeking a dependable and engaging Infant/Toddler Assistant Teacher to support a classroom serving children 2 - 3 years old. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with young children, values teamwork, and is passionate about creating a calm, responsive, and developmentally appropriate environment during the earliest years.

The Assistant Teacher works closely with the Lead Teacher to support daily classroom operations, including helping implement developmentally appropriate experiences, maintaining consistent routines, and ensuring high-quality care practices. Responsibilities include assisting with meals, diapering, potty training and classroom schedules while supporting each child’s individual needs and development. A strong understanding of responsive caregiving and social-emotional development is important.

This position requires a collaborative approach within the classroom, including supporting the Lead Teacher, maintaining organization and compliance with licensing standards, and contributing to a positive, well-run environment. The ideal candidate is reliable, communicates effectively with team members and families, and takes pride in supporting a classroom that reflects professionalism, warmth, and intentional care.

We are looking for someone who is team-oriented, attentive, and committed to building meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues while supporting the overall success of the classroom.

We are a high-quality, nonprofit early childhood program dedicated to providing a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally rich environment for young children. Guided by a supportive Board of Directors and strong leadership team, we are committed to excellence in early education and take pride in maintaining high standards, including strong performance in quality rating systems. Our team values professionalism, collaboration, and a shared focus on what is best for children and families. We invest in our educators, support growth, and create classrooms that are both joyful and well-run. If you enjoy working as part of a team and building meaningful relationships with young children, we invite you to apply.

Duties

• Support the Lead Teacher in the daily operations of a toddler classroom, helping maintain a calm, organized, and responsive environment
• Assist in creating a safe, nurturing, and healthy space where children are encouraged to explore and learn
• Help implement developmentally appropriate activities and engage actively with children during play and routines
• Provide attentive care, including diapering, feeding, and supporting rest time
• Build positive, professional relationships with children, families, and team members
• Support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development through responsive interactions
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom that meets all health, safety, and licensing requirements
• Work collaboratively with the teaching team to ensure consistency in routines and expectations
• Assist with classroom documentation, daily reports, and other required records
• Follow all center policies and state regulations

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and drug screening
• Full-time availability, Monday through Friday

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with infants and/or toddlers in a group setting
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (or willingness to pursue)
• Familiarity with quality rating systems (such as QRIS)
• Current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to work as part of a team
• Basic understanding of child development, especially in the first three years

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Holiday pay
• Discounted childcare tuition for employees

About Us

Little Oaks Academy (LOA) is a daycare facility licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (“DHS”). The purpose of our early childhood education and development program is to promote the development of the total child – physically, emotionally, intellectually, and socially, using age-appropriate activities under the guidance of professional, loving, and caring teachers. As a non-profit, LOA operates under a Board of Directors (the Board). The Board is charged with defining the mission, vision, and values of LOA’s early childhood education and development program.