Lead Toddler Teacher

Toddler Lead Teacher (Full-Time)
South Portland, ME | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Visit us: www.chickadeedaycare.com

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a place where your love for toddlers is truly valued? Join us at Chickadee, a nature-inspired, play-based center where kindness, creativity, and curiosity guide every aspect of our approach.

We’re seeking a nurturing, enthusiastic Toddler Lead Teacher to join our team. You’ll find not just a job, but a joyful, supportive community where you can grow, laugh, and make a real difference.

Why Chickadee?

• A play-based environment where children and teachers thrive
• Up to 4 weeks of paid time off per year, including winter, spring, and summer breaks
• A close, collaborative team that values respect, creativity, and joy
• Snow days and government holidays paid
• A place where your voice is heard and your well-being matters
• A mission-driven culture that celebrates both child and teacher growth

Our Mission

To inspire the spirit of the child, nurturing them through kindness and love to become adults who live with purpose, and pass on kindness to better the world we live in.

What You’ll Do

• Create and lead developmentally appropriate, play-based activities
• Encourage toddlers' emotional, physical, and social growth
• Build close, communicative relationships with families
• Maintain daily care routines: feeding, diapering, napping, and playful exploration
• Sing, read, play, and laugh with toddlers - every day!
• Track and document daily activities and developmental milestones

What We’re Looking For

• A warm, patient, and caring personality who genuinely loves working with toddlers
• Someone who is committed to meeting each child’s individual needs
• A creative mind who brings energy and fun to everyday
• Physical ability to lift 30 lbs and work at a child’s level (sitting, crawling, squatting)
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)

Education & Experience

• BA or AA in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred (not required)
• CDA credential or equivalent experience welcome
• Previous toddler room or early childhood classroom experience is a plus

Perks & Benefits

• Paid Winter Break (Christmas-New Year’s)
• Gifted PTO: 40 hours after 3 months of employment
• Accrued PTO: 40 additional hours annually
• Paid Summer Break (week of July 4th)
• Holiday Bonus (after 12 months, based on center performance)
• 6 Paid National Holidays
• A culture that celebrates kindness, inclusion, and balance

Chickadee is a nurturing, nature-connected early learning center. We believe care must be safe, loving, and joyful - for children and for the educators who guide them.

Bring your heart. Bring your creativity. Bring your joy.

Apply today and help us grow a generation of kind, curious little humans - starting with you.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $17.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Ability to Commute:

• South Portland, ME 04106 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• South Portland, ME 04106: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person