Lead Toddler Teacher

Lead Teacher – Toddler Classroom

Location: Bozeman, Montana

Schedule: Full-time, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday

Overview

At Early Alpine Academy, we know that toddlerhood is tender, messy, and incredibly important. Our toddler classroom is designed for children roughly 18–33 months of age, and we’re looking for a Lead Teacher who can bring steady leadership, deep warmth, and a clear understanding of what toddlers truly need to thrive.

In this role, you’ll guide the emotional tone of the room, set a daily rhythm that helps children feel safe and confident, and partner with both your teaching team and families to create a consistent, loving environment.

You won’t just supervise—you’ll shape the way children and families experience one of the most formative stages of early development.

What You’ll Do

• Build a calm, predictable classroom where toddlers feel secure, welcomed, and free to explore
• Lead a small teaching team, partnering with a full-time Assistant Teacher to ensure smooth routines and responsive care
• Set and maintain the emotional tone—regulating yourself in tough moments, and helping toddlers co-regulate when big feelings show up
• Implement a play-based curriculum that supports sensory exploration, language development, and social connection
• Maintain a developmentally appropriate environment, with meaningful materials and a rhythm that reflects toddler needs
• Communicate regularly with families through warm welcomes, updates, and conversations that center their child’s well-being
• Stay aligned with licensing and safety standards—ensuring documentation, ratios, and health protocols are met
• Collaborate with floaters and leadership to manage transitions, coverage, and the day-to-day classroom flow

Why This Role Is Special

• You’ll help shape how children experience care—ensuring they feel safe, understood, and loved during a critical developmental window
• Our toddler program prioritizes emotional responsiveness, steady routines, and freedom to explore
• You’ll be trusted to lead your room, with support from a Director who values open communication and collaboration
• The environment is designed for your success—with a consistent teaching partner, thoughtful curriculum tools, and the support to lead with confidence
• Families will know and trust you—and you’ll become a meaningful part of their child’s early story

Who We’re Looking For

• You are emotionally steady—even when toddlers aren’t. You stay calm during meltdowns, messes, and transitions
• You understand toddler development and don’t expect children to “act older than they are”
• You lead with warmth, set clear boundaries, and respond to behavior with curiosity, not control
• You find joy in messy, sensory-rich play and can pivot plans when needed
• You bring experience working with toddlers, and ideally some experience leading or mentoring other teachers
• You hold at a minimum Montana Practitioner Registry Level 3
• You value family partnerships and know how to communicate with caregivers in ways that build connection and trust

Benefits

• Pay: $28–30/hour depending on experience and Montana Registry level
• Health Insurance benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Subsidized Childcare
• Paid Family Leave

Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person