Sapling Center Infant and Toddler Care Lead Teacher

Germantown Academy Sapling Center for Early Learning Mission: The Germantown Academy Sapling Center for Early Learning recognizes that the early years are critical in shaping a child’s life. By providing responsive, personalized care in a nurturing, active learning environment, we foster the social, emotional, and cognitive growth that sets the stage for lifelong learning, resilience, and school success. Position Title: Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher The Germantown Academy Sapling Center for Early Learning is an early childhood center located on the campus of Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, PA. Founded in 2026, this program serves infants through 4-year-olds. The school offers a full day program from late August-June with summer camp options available. The Sapling Center provides a warm, nurturing and engaging learning environment that supports young children in their earliest years of development. A Sapling education fosters creativity, curiosity, and joy by engaging young children in developmentally appropriate experiences that develop their cognitive and social-emotional growth. Germantown Academy is committed to the work of equity and inclusion and believes that equal opportunity in all aspects of employment supports the mission of the school and the successful attainment of our strategic objectives. Candidates must exhibit an appreciation of, a sensitivity to, and a respect for a diverse academic environment, inclusive of students, faculty, and staff of varying socioeconomic, cultural, ideological and ethnic backgrounds. POSITION PURPOSE: We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and warm individual for a full-time lead teacher position in our Infant and Toddler Center (Infants-24months) beginning August 2026. This is a 10-month position with an hourly rate of $26 per hour and an excellent array of benefits.  Reporting to the Sapling Center Director, the Infant and Toddler Lead Teacher develops, plans and implements the Program for Infant and Toddler Care (PITC) curriculum with students. The Lead Teacher is responsible for providing daily care and creating a classroom environment and learning experiences that nurture the healthy growth and development of each child. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Classroom Responsibilities •Create a safe, nurturing and stimulating learning environment where up to 12 infants and toddlers are well-cared for and supported in their growth •Engage and be fully present with children throughout the day •Manage and organize the daily classroom routines, activities and materials •Plan for intentional and meaningful instruction daily based on the Program for Infant Toddler Care curriculum as well as children’s developmental stages and interests •Provide positive guidance for each child’s healthy social and emotional development •Establish excellent parent partnerships and communication: Write detailed student progress reports, facilitate ongoing communication with parents around their child’s progress, daily activities or needs that may arise. This includes the daily use of the Brightwheel app, leading parent-teacher conferences, and presenting at parent information evenings. •Observe and document children’s learning and progress to support curriculum planning and family communication Professional Responsibilities •Daily attendance during school day in addition to occasional required professional commitments, including faculty meetings, Back to School Nights, parent-teacher conferences, and other classroom commitments that may extend beyond these hours •Establish and maintain positive relationships with the children in your care, colleagues, and families •Work in tandem with the Assistant Teacher(s) to establish and promote a professional, consistent, and positive classroom climate reflective of the Sapling Center Mission, Vision and Values •Collaborate with, and provide mentoring and direction to the partnering Assistant Teacher(s) to increase opportunities for individualized care, small group work, ongoing assessment and active learning for students •Collaborate and communicate with administration as needed to support students’ learning and social development •Attend and wholeheartedly engage in professional development opportunities including the Program for Infant and Toddler Care curriculum, all required in-service and faculty meetings, professional conferences, and programs aligned with the goals of the Sapling program and PA state regulations. •Fulfill all supervisory duties as assigned before, during and after formal instruction times QUALIFICATIONS: •Associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field preferred or CDA (Child Development Associate) credential •High School diploma required •Two years of documented experience working with infants and/or toddlers •Ability to work in a mission-driven, team-oriented, fast-paced, exciting environment that requires initiative, and a collaborative and innovative spirit; Ability to create a vibrant and inspiring learning community for infants and toddlers •Strong cultural competency skills: ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures and diverse backgrounds  •Excellent written and oral communication and organizational skills •Excellent understanding and articulation of current educational theory as it relates to: early childhood, individualized care, responsive teaching, developmental growth of infants and toddlers, cultural diversity and developmentally appropriate practices •Strong collaboration, problem solving and decision-making skills •Strong emotional intelligence: warm kind, flexible, patient, sense of humor, active listener, empathetic and confidential •Demonstrates strong work ethic, attendance, and punctuality •Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. in connection with the care of infants and toddlers; must be able to lift infants into and out of cribs