Lead Toddler Teacher

The Gardner School • Saint Louis, MN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Gardner School of St. Louis Park is hiring a Lead Toddler Teacher for its state-of-the-art preschool. The role leads and inspires a toddler classroom through creative, caring, and high-quality teaching; mentors assistant teachers; builds meaningful relationships with children and families; and plans engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons. The teacher maintains a safe, compliant, and joyful classroom environment while modeling the school’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference.

The position requires an associate degree or CDA and at least two years of early childhood education experience. Candidates need current CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it upon hire, eligibility to work in the U.S. without sponsorship, reliable attendance, intermediate PC skills, and the ability to communicate fluently in English. Physical activities include standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to approximately 60 pounds. The school offers professional development, training, advancement opportunities, and access to its company-sponsored CDA program.

Requirements

• Associate degree or CDA required.
• At least 2 years of early childhood education experience; lead or co-lead experience preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Passion for early childhood education and a nurturing, joyful approach to care.
• Intermediate PC skills and proficiency with general administrative tasks.
• Ability to stand, sit on the floor, bend, and lift up to approximately 60 pounds.
• Ability to perform the cognitive and interpersonal aspects of classroom leadership, including speaking, hearing, reading, writing, focusing attention, and building relationships.
• Fluent English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension sufficient to communicate with students, families, and staff, implement curriculum and safety procedures, and complete written reports.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field preferred.
• Lead or co-lead early childhood education experience preferred.
• Interest in growing within a supportive, mission-driven preschool environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a toddler classroom with creativity, care, and excellence.
• Mentor assistant teachers and model The Gardner School’s core values: Children First, Trust, Innovation, and Make a Difference.
• Build meaningful relationships with families and children.
• Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that spark curiosity.
• Maintain safety, compliance, and a joyful classroom environment.

Benefits

• Competitive starting pay of $18.70–$23.10 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Minnesota Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program for eligible childcare providers.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Childcare tuition discount.
• Paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• Advancement opportunities within the organization.
• Access to a company-sponsored CDA program.
• Supportive, mission-driven culture.

What This Job Offers

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