Lead Infant Toddler Teacher

About The Role

The Lead Infant Toddler Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading the daily care, supervision, and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a state-funded early childhood program. The role leads curriculum implementation, daily routines, child observations, and family engagement practice, and works closely with the Center Director to provide a safe, nurturing, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports each child’s growth and learning.

Our East Palo Alto Center supports a specialized language and literacy program and features the use of innovative portable technology to capture adult and child verbal interactions. In addition, the center will feature outdoor classrooms that incorporate environmental education and play-based learning. The Lead Infant Toddler Teacher helps create a welcoming and responsive classroom environment.

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Lead the daily care, supervision, and learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Comply with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division regulations (Title 22), California Department of Education (CDE) Early Education Division requirements, including Title 5, and all applicable agency policies and procedures.
• Plan and implement a high-quality infant toddler program that supports early language, literacy, social- emotional development, and learning through play.
• Develop and carry out age-appropriate lesson plans, learning experiences, and daily routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, indoor and outdoor play, and small group activities.
•  Build warm, responsive relationships with children and support their individual developmental needs, including children with IFSP goals and other specialized supports.
• Observe children regularly and document their development through notes, photos, and other assigned assessment tools in alignment with program expectations.
• Lead curriculum implementation and create classroom environments that encourage exploration, language development, positive interactions, and active learning.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times and ensure all health, safety, and licensing requirements are consistently followed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, child observations, developmental assessments, and other required documentation.
• Partner with families in a respectful and professional way, sharing information about children’s progress, routines, and needs while recognizing families as the child’s first teacher.
• Provide guidance, modeling, and daily support to Associate Teachers, Teacher Aides, and other classroom support staff to promote strong teaching practices and teamwork.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to strengthen teaching practice and program quality.
• Support classroom cleanliness, organization, and readiness, including materials preparation, sanitizing, and maintaining an engaging learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with center leadership and support staff to ensure strong classroom operations, continuity of care, and high-quality services for children and families.
• Follows all Kidango safety policies, active supervision practices, health and safety procedures, and licensing requirements at all times to help ensure a safe and compliant environment for children, families, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff while promoting the mission and philosophy of the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 Preferred qualifications

• Associate degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Must meet Title 5 and Title 22 requirements for a Lead Teacher in an infant/toddler classroom, including required Early Childhood Education units and Infant/Toddler units.
• Teacher Permit from the Department of Education required
• 2 to 3 years working with infants and toddlers in a licensed early childhood program preferred.
• Experience leading classroom activities, supporting other teaching staff, and helping maintain a high-quality learning environment preferred.
• Immunization records that comply with Senate Bill 792 (immunity for measles, pertussis, and influenza.)
• Required to be a mandated abuse reporter.
• Ability to provide leadership and accept responsibility.
• Required CPR/First Aid Training Certification.
• Completion CCL Record Keeping Component; 16 hours of health and safety training which includes 1 hour of nutrition training.
• Ability to provide leadership, accept responsibility, work independently and set own goals in a professional manner.
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously and able to work Kidango’s core work hours and work schedule as assigned, and a flexible schedule, including some evenings.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Compensation 39.18 - 39.18 USD