Lead Teacher, Toddlers

Lead Teacher - Toddlers– $25/hr or More (Hourly Rate + Performance Incentives)

The Goddard School® of Newark, DE

Are you an early childhood educator who wants to be part of something bigger — a warm, supportive school community that values your expertise, invests in your growth, and rewards your impact?

At The Goddard School® of Newark, we’re more than a daycare — we’re a joyful, high-quality early learning environment that puts teachers first. We're currently hiring passionate, energetic Lead Teachers who believe in nurturing young minds and helping children thrive through play-based, developmentally appropriate learning.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• $25/hour or more with our Performance Incentive Program (details below!)
• Team-first culture where your voice and ideas matter
• Modern, well-equipped classrooms and an outdoor learning space
• A mission-driven workplace where we value both play and purpose

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Pay ($17-$19 p/h) + Performance Incentive: Earn a $0.50/hour raise for every full-paying student you personally recruit (as long as they remain enrolled and tuition is current)
• Unlimited referral bonuses for new hires and new student enrollments
• 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Paid time off: 3 weeks annually (vacation + sick)
• Medical, dental & vision insurance (with employer contribution)
• Childcare discount program for your own little ones
• Fully paid CPR & First Aid training
• Free access to hundreds of online professional development courses
• Paid in-service days, staff meetings, and training
• Leadership development & advancement opportunities
• …and yes, there’s a free latte/coffee bar to keep you going ☕

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Teacher, you will:

• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment
• Plan and implement play-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Partner with an Assistant Teacher and collaborate with the broader teaching team
• Build positive relationships with children and their families
• Model professionalism and guide children with patience and joy
• Promote curiosity, confidence, and kindness in every child you teach

What We’re Looking For

• Passion for early childhood education and child development
• Ability to interact closely with children at their level
• Experience leading or co-leading a classroom is preferred
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to creating a positive and inclusive classroom community

Education & Certification Requirements

(Must meet at least one of the following criteria):

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Child Development
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field + 18 credit hours in early childhood coursework
• Associate’s degree in ECE, Elementary Ed, or related field
• CDA Credential (or enrolled in a CDA or degree program)

Ready to Grow With Us?

We’re proud to partner with teachers who want to make a difference — and we reward the impact you have in the classroom and the community. Apply now to learn more, schedule a tour of our school, and explore how you can thrive with us at The Goddard School® of Newark.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Child Development Associate Certification or Equivalent (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Newark, DE 19711 (Required)

Work Location: In person