Lead Teacher - Infant/Toddler Decoto

Kidango • Union City, CA

26d

About The Position

The Lead Teacher provides leadership for the daily care, supervision, and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a state-funded early childhood program. The role creates and maintains a safe, nurturing, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment where children feel secure, supported, and ready to explore and learn. The Lead Teacher models responsive caregiving, primary caregiving relationships, continuity of care, positive guidance, and strong teacher-child interactions; leads curriculum implementation; supports individualized routines; conducts ongoing observations; maintains developmental documentation; and fosters meaningful communication with families. The role also guides classroom staff in maintaining consistency, safety, and professionalism. Working closely with the Center Director, the Lead Teacher ensures classroom practices align with organizational expectations and applicable state regulations, including Title 22 and Title 5. Care and learning are adapted to children’s developmental needs, including those with IFSP goals or other specialized supports.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• 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.
• Associate Teacher Permit from the Department of Education.
• Immunization records compliant with Senate Bill 792 requirements for measles, pertussis, and influenza immunity.
• Must be a mandated abuse reporter.
• Ability to provide leadership and accept responsibility.
• Required CPR/First Aid Training Certification.
• 16 hours of health and safety training, including 1 hour of nutrition training.
• Must pass a health screening and TB test.
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance.
• Valid driver license.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds may be needed during some job duties.
• Ability to use hands for computer work and answering phone calls; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Nice To Haves

• 2 to 3 years of experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed early childhood program.
• Experience leading classroom activities, supporting other teaching staff, and helping maintain a high-quality learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily care, supervision, and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom.
• Plan and implement age-appropriate curriculum, lesson plans, learning experiences, and daily routines that support each child’s development, interests, and individual needs.
• Promote children’s social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and early communication development through responsive caregiving, play-based learning, positive guidance, and strong teacher-child interactions.
• Ensure feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, transitions, indoor and outdoor play, and small-group activities are carried out safely, consistently, and with respect for each child’s needs.
• Maintain active supervision and ensure the classroom team follows health, safety, supervision, licensing, and program requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Title 22, Title 5, and applicable Kidango policies and procedures for state-funded early learning programs.
• Observe and document children’s development using required assessment tools, screenings, notes, photos, and work samples, and use the information to plan individualized learning experiences.
• Support children with IFSP goals, developmental needs, disabilities, or other specialized supports in partnership with families, center leadership, and support staff.
• Maintain accurate classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, child observations, developmental documentation, assessments, and other required program records.
• Partner with families through regular, respectful communication, parent-teacher conferences, and family engagement practices that recognize families as the child’s first teacher.
• Provide leadership, modeling, and daily guidance to Associate Teachers, Teacher Aides, and classroom support staff to promote strong teaching practices, teamwork, consistency, and accountability.
• Support classroom organization, cleanliness, materials preparation, and readiness for a safe, engaging, high-quality learning environment.
• Collaborate with the Center Director, classroom team, and support staff to support classroom operations, continuity of care, and high-quality services.
• Participate in staff meetings, coaching, training, and professional development.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff while representing Kidango’s mission, values, and professional expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package.
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

What This Job Offers

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