Toddler Lead Teacher

Especially for Children•Eden Prairie, MN

26d•$17 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Toddler Lead Teacher creates a safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom for toddlers. Under the direction of the School Director, this classroom leader plans and delivers curriculum, leads classroom operations, and implements Cadence Education programs. The teacher supports each child’s physical, social, emotional, and developmental needs, including those of children with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and partners with families and team members to support children’s growth and success. The role requires modeling professionalism, maintaining compliance with licensing and safety requirements, and following company policies and procedures. Schedules may vary based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs; shifts are not guaranteed to be eight hours, and daily end times may vary. Required trainings, meetings, and professional development may occur outside regularly scheduled work hours.

Requirements

Must meet state licensing requirements for Lead Teachers in a licensed childcare center.
Must meet all Department of Health Services (DHS) licensing qualifications for Lead Teachers, which may include a high school diploma or GED plus required experience, college coursework in early childhood education, or a CDA, CCP, EEC, or NAC credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearances and health screenings.
Demonstrated ability to follow safety procedures, including Name-to-Face accountability, food allergy processes, bottle-feeding procedures, and Safe Sleep practices.
Ability to manage a classroom environment with consistency, structure, and care.
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
Flexibility to work variable schedules and shift lengths based on enrollment, staffing ratios, and operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
A minimum of 6–12 months of early childhood or classroom experience preferred, depending on education and credentials.
CDA preferred, but not required if state requirements are met.

Responsibilities

Create a warm, welcoming, and inclusive classroom where every child is treated with dignity, respect, and care.
Build positive, professional relationships with children and families through daily greetings and ongoing communication.
Recognize and respond to diverse developmental, behavioral, cultural, and learning needs, including implementing IEPs and behavioral support plans as required.
Plan, implement, and document developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with Cadence’s educational philosophy and Signature Programs.
Use Cadence-required systems and communication tools to communicate professionally with families, coworkers, and leadership.
Maintain a safe and well-supervised classroom, following the Cadence Education Safety and Supervision Manual.
Accurately document and report accidents, incidents, and escalated behaviors in accordance with company policy and licensing requirements.
Follow Cadence Education policies, procedures, and Employee Handbook standards.
Participate in required trainings, meetings, and professional development, which may take place outside regularly scheduled work hours.