What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Toddler Teacher position at Early Alpine Academy?
Lead your own toddler room on a consistent weekday daytime schedule, starting at $28/hour. You'll have one Assistant Teacher and 10–12 toddlers (18–24 months) in our Mighty Movers room. You'll also get health insurance, a 401(k) match, and paid time off that grows the longer you're here.
About Early Alpine Academy
Early Alpine Academy is a small, play-based program in downtown Bozeman, serving kids from infancy through preschool. We believe learning happens best when children feel safe, seen, and excited to be here, and we build a team that feels the same way.
About the Role
You'll create a place where toddlers feel deeply known, genuinely cared for, and excited to come each day.
At this age, routines are the curriculum. Meals, diapering, naps, and transitions are where toddlers learn language, independence, and how to be with other people, and a great toddler teacher treats those moments as seriously as any planned activity. Toddlers are on the move: climbing, carrying, dumping, testing, and exploring everything. We're looking for someone who loves that, understands why it matters, and doesn't expect them to act older than they are.
You'll also take real ownership of your classroom, leading your Assistant Teacher, partnering with families, and creating a safe, calm, well-run environment.
What You'll Be Doing
Building secure, trusting relationships with toddlers and creating a warm, predictable classroom where children feel safe enough to explore
Using your knowledge of toddler development to teach through play and routines, joining children with genuine interest and supporting their language, movement, independence, and social-emotional growth throughout the day
Creating an inviting, hands-on environment with sensory experiences, room to move, and materials that follow what toddlers are drawn to
Observing and documenting each child's growth, noticing what each toddler is working on and planning what comes next for them
Leading the classroom with confidence and ownership, planning ahead, keeping daily rhythms steady, noticing what needs attention, and following through without needing constant direction
Leading and collaborating with your Assistant Teacher, providing clear direction, sharing responsibilities, and creating a strong, consistent classroom team
Building genuine partnerships with families through warm, proactive communication, especially for families who may be new to childcare, sharing observations and milestones through Brightwheel and in conversation
Meeting big feelings with connection first. When a toddler is hurt, upset, or just grabbed a toy, you comfort first and get curious about what's going on. No forced apologies, no sticker charts. You support separation and early friendships with patience and expectations that fit the age
Maintaining a safe, well-run classroom, including active supervision, required documentation, health and safety practices, licensing requirements, and dependable daily routines
Being part of the wider Early Alpine team, working with Lead, Assistant, and Support Teachers, taking feedback openly, and helping out beyond your room when the team needs it
Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Registry Level 3 or above, or able to qualify
Experience caring for toddlers in a group setting, and a strong understanding of toddler development
Prepared to independently lead a toddler classroom, guide an Assistant Teacher, and communicate confidently with families
Dependable, punctual, and able to work a consistent Monday–Friday daytime schedule (8 AM to 4 or 5 PM
Able to pass required background checks and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification
Physically able to lift, carry, sit on the floor, and actively engage with toddlers throughout the day
Compensation & Benefits
Starting at $28/hour, with increases based on Registry level
2 weeks of paid time off, increasing with tenure
1 week of paid sick time
Paid holidays
Health insurance with employer contribution, plus optional dental, vision, accident, and voluntary life & AD&D coverage
Health Savings Account (HSA)
401(k) with employer match
12 weeks of paid parental leave
Employer-paid life & AD&D and long-term disability insurance
Sabbatical program at 5, 10, and 15 years
Subsidized childcare at Early Alpine
How Hiring Works
A quick phone call, a one-hour interview, a short take-home, and a final visit where you meet the team. We'll keep you posted at every step.