Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher in Knoxville, TN

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and confident Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher to guide a classroom serving children ages 9 to 18 months. This role is ideal for a professional who has successfully led an infant or toddler classroom and is passionate about creating a calm, responsive, and developmentally rich environment during the earliest years.

The Lead Teacher is responsible for overall classroom management, including planning and implementing developmentally appropriate experiences, establishing consistent routines, and ensuring high-quality care practices. This includes overseeing feeding, diapering, and sleep schedules while supporting each child’s individual needs and development. A strong understanding of social-emotional development and responsive caregiving is essential.

This position also requires leadership within the classroom, mentoring and supporting assistant teachers, maintaining organization and compliance with licensing standards, and creating a cohesive, well-run environment. The ideal candidate is proactive, communicates clearly with families, and takes pride in running a classroom that reflects professionalism, warmth, and intentional teaching.

We are looking for someone who brings both experience and leadership, someone who can confidently manage a classroom while fostering meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

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 are an experienced teacher who enjoys leading a classroom and being part of a purpose-driven program, we invite you to apply.

Duties

• Lead and manage the daily operations of an infant/toddler classroom, ensuring a calm, organized, and responsive environment
• Create and maintain a safe, nurturing, and healthy space where children are encouraged to explore and thrive
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities aligned with program guidelines and current best practices in early childhood education
• Support each child’s social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development through intentional interactions and individualized care
• Establish and maintain consistent routines for feeding, diapering, and rest that meet the needs of each child
• Build strong, professional relationships with families through daily communication and ongoing partnership
• Mentor and collaborate with assistant teachers to ensure a cohesive, high-functioning classroom team
• Foster a positive, respectful workplace culture centered on teamwork and high-quality care
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom that meets all health, safety, and licensing requirements
• Partner with leadership to ensure full compliance with center policies and state regulations
• Observe, document, and assess children’s development to inform planning and communicate progress with families
• Maintain accurate and timely classroom records, including daily reports, incident logs, and developmental documentation
• Demonstrate strong classroom management and decision-making skills, proactively addressing challenges and maintaining consistency
• Contribute to program quality initiatives, including participation in assessments, coaching, and continuous improvement efforts

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

• At least 2 years of experience leading an infant and/or toddler classroom
• Familiarity with quality rating systems (such as QRIS) and a commitment to high program standards
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential
• Current CPR and First Aid certification
• Strong understanding of child development, particularly in the first three years of life
• Experience with classroom documentation, assessments, and lesson planning

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.