Infant & Toddler Room Lead Teacher

Infant & Toddler Room Lead Teacher - Early Impressions, Vandercook Lake location

Job Summary

The Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating and maintaining a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment for infants and toddlers ages 8 weeks to 2 years, 6 months. This role involves planning and implementing intentional, responsive care routines and learning experiences that align with the Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Infant and Toddler Programs. The Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher ensures the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of each child is supported through strong relationships, play-based experiences, and family engagement.

Environment & Curriculum

• Create a safe, clean, and engaging learning environment designed for exploration, discovery, and sensory-rich experiences.
• Implement individualized routines and care practices that promote secure attachments and emotional regulation.
• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities that promote growth in all domains: physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional.
• Use the standards and child observation to design responsive learning opportunities and adapt the environment to meet individual needs.
• Promote play as a central component of learning, ensuring materials are accessible and culturally relevant.

Child Development & Observation

• Observe and document children’s development using authentic assessment tools aligned with state standards.
• Identify developmental milestones, delays, or concerns and partner with families and specialists as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date portfolios and records on each child.

Family Engagement

• Build strong, respectful relationships with families through daily communication, family conferences, and collaborative goal setting.
• Support families as their child’s first teacher by sharing developmental information and strategies for learning at home.
• Respect and incorporate family cultures, languages, and values into the classroom community.

Health & Safety

• Follow all licensing regulations and health/safety policies including safe sleep practices, diapering procedures, and feeding protocols.
• Ensure a consistent routine that supports predictability and a sense of security for infants.
• Maintain supervision and safety of infants at all times, including during outdoor play, rest time, and transitions.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Model high-quality caregiving and mentoring for assistant teachers or classroom aides.
• Participate in professional development and reflective supervision aligned with Michigan’s expectations for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with team members to implement the program’s mission and maintain licensing and quality standards

Job Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development preferred (infant/toddler coursework required), preferred.
• Infant/Toddler CDA accepted with relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with infants in a licensed childcare or early learning environment.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs, bend, sit on the floor, and engage in active play with infants.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with children, parents, and team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate attitude toward children.
• Ability to work as part of a team and take initiative..

Benefits

• Simple 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Holiday Pay – eligible after 90 probationary period
• Free Child Care for Children 2 years and 6 months and older
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Pay: $15.00 - $18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person