Lead Teacher - Infant/Toddler (East Palo Alto)

Kidango • East Palo Alto, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Kidango is an early learning nonprofit dedicated to helping children thrive by providing opportunities and resources, especially for low-income families. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kidango offers safe, nurturing environments and advocates for early childhood education policy changes. 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. This role involves leading curriculum implementation, daily routines, child observations, and family engagement, working closely with the Center Director to ensure a safe, nurturing, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment. The East Palo Alto Center features a specialized language and literacy program with innovative technology and outdoor classrooms focused on environmental education and play-based learning. The Lead Infant Toddler Teacher will help create a welcoming and responsive classroom environment.

Requirements

• 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
• 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.
• Must pass a health screening and TB test
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance
• Valid Driver License
• Must be 18 years or older
• The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties
• The employee will be required to use hands for computer work, answering phone calls, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• 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.)
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
• A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world
• Drug-Free Workplace

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree