Lead Toddler Teacher

Lead Toddler Teacher

Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:30

Job Description

If you love making little ones smile, celebrating developmental milestones, and creating meaningful learning experiences, we would love for you to join our team!

Lightbridge Academy of Bergenfield is seeking a caring, energetic, and experienced Lead Toddler Teacher to join our growing team! We are looking for someone who is passionate about early childhood education, understands the unique needs of toddlers, and can create a warm, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment where our little learners can thrive.

As a Lead Toddler Teacher, you will play an important role in supporting children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development while building strong relationships with families and leading a collaborative classroom team.

Responsibilities

As a Lead Toddler Teacher, you will:

• Create a safe, loving, nurturing, and stimulating classroom environment where toddlers feel comfortable exploring, learning, and growing.
• Develop and implement engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans that align with Lightbridge Academy's STREAM-based curriculum.
• Encourage language development, socialization, independence, sensory exploration, and early learning through hands-on activities, music, movement, and play.
• Establish consistent daily routines for meals, diapering/toileting, naps, transitions, and classroom activities.
• Support toddlers as they develop important milestones, including communication, self-help skills, emotional regulation, and positive peer interactions.
• Use positive guidance techniques to help children navigate big emotions and develop appropriate social skills.
• Maintain open, positive communication with families through daily interactions and the Lightbridge Journey app.
• Ensure children's health, safety, and well-being while maintaining appropriate supervision and following all state licensing regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment.
• Lead, guide, and mentor assistant teachers to promote teamwork, consistency, and high-quality care.
• Collaborate with administration and fellow educators to create a positive and supportive school community.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for someone who has:

• At least 1 year of experience working in a childcare or early childhood education setting (required).
• Previous experience working with infants or toddlers (strongly preferred).
• Previous lead teacher or classroom management experience (preferred).
• An Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred).
• Strong classroom management, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Patience, compassion, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for working with young children.
• The ability to work collaboratively while confidently leading a classroom.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate developmental milestones and positive behavior guidance techniques.

Benefits

• No weekends!
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Childcare Discounts
• Paid CPR and First Aid Training
• Professional Development Opportunities
• CDA Training Support
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Supportive and Collaborative Work Environment

Why Work for Lightbridge Academy?

At Lightbridge Academy, we are more than just a daycare. We are a community of passionate educators dedicated to providing exceptional care and early childhood education.

Our teachers make learning fun, celebrate the little victories, and create lasting connections with the children and families they serve.

From messy sensory activities and silly songs to exciting developmental milestones, every day brings new opportunities to make a difference!

We value teamwork, creativity, positivity, and educators who bring a "we've got this!" attitude to the classroom.

If you're an enthusiastic early childhood educator who loves working with toddlers and is ready to take the lead in a fun, supportive environment, we would love to meet you!

Apply today to join the Lightbridge Academy of Bergenfield family!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Special education: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)
• Special Education Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person