Toddler Teacher
$30,680–$39,520 year
On-siteDurham, North Carolina, United States
Job Summary
Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom environment for children ages 12 months to 5 years, implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence educational philosophy and Signature Programs. Build positive relationships with families through daily greetings and ongoing communication, while recognizing and responding to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including IEPs and behavioral support plans. Maintain a safe, well-supervised classroom following the Safety and Supervision Manual, accurately documenting accidents and incidents per company policy and licensing requirements. Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours. Work flexible, non-guaranteed shifts with varying daily end times.
Required Qualifications
- Must meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center
- Must meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers
- Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings
- Must be able to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings
- Flexibility is essential
- Schedules may change based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs
- Work schedules may vary and are not guaranteed to be eight-hour shifts
- Daily end times may vary and cannot be guaranteed
- Demonstrated ability to follow all safety procedures, including Name‐to‐Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle‐feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices
- Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- A minimum of 6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experience is preferred, depending on education and credentials
- Experience working with young children
- Is organized, tech-savvy, punctual, and able to communicate well verbally and in writing
- Strong classroom management skills
- A belief that children are inherently capable
- A willingness to learn about and implement child-focused, or Reggio-inspired perspectives
- View teaching young children as a profession
- View learning as a collaborative process
- Develop curriculum based on the children's own interests
- Engage children in many ways leading with play, but continuing with art, music, reading, writing, and experimentation
- Document and make visible a child's interests using journals, cameras, and other tools
- Involve parents in the learning process by sharing
- A love for working with children and families
- Our PlayHouse Preschool is looking for autonomous, enthusiastic, and responsible professionals with the ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children ages 1-5
- High school diploma or GED plus required experience
- College coursework in early childhood education
- CDA, CCP, EEC or NAC credential
Desired Qualifications
- If you're passionate about early childhood development and have experience in childcare, daycare, or preschool education, we'd love to meet you
- Ideal candidates will have a bachelor's and at least 2 years of experience working in early childhood education with a passion for innovative, play-based teaching styles
- Compelling candidates lacking the above requirements but possessing unique experiences are strongly encouraged to apply
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred
- CDA preferred but not required if state requirements are met
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