Young Toddler Lead Teacher

We're Growing... Come Grow With Us!

Lead Young Toddler Teacher (13–24 Months)

Full-Time | Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Year-Round

Hilltop School | Bangor, Maine

Help Build Something Amazing From the Beginning!

Hilltop School is excited to be expanding our early childhood programs as we grow our services and the ages we enroll. We're looking for an exceptional Lead Young Toddler Teacher to help shape one of our newest classrooms and create a warm, engaging environment where our youngest learners can thrive.

This isn't just another teaching position—it's an opportunity to build a high-quality classroom from the ground up while making a lasting impact during one of the most important stages of a child's development.

If you're passionate about early childhood education, believe in the power of play, and want to work for a program that truly values its educators, we'd love to meet you!

Job Summary

We are seeking a passionate, energetic, and dedicated Young Toddler Lead Teacher to inspire and nurture children ages 13–24 months during one of the most important stages of early childhood development.

As the Lead Teacher, you will be responsible for all aspects of classroom operations, creating a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment where children feel secure, confident, and excited to learn. You will guide your classroom team, collaborate with families, and implement meaningful learning experiences that support each child's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.

At Hilltop School, we believe learning happens through play, relationships, exploration, and responsive caregiving. Every diaper change, every story, every song, and every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, encourage curiosity, and foster lifelong learning.

Responsibilities

As the Lead Teacher, you will:

Classroom Leadership

• Oversee all daily operations of the Young Toddler classroom.
• Lead, mentor, and support assistant teachers while effectively delegating responsibilities.
• Create a positive classroom culture built on teamwork, professionalism, and respect.
• Maintain a safe, organized, clean, and engaging classroom that exceeds licensing standards.

Curriculum & Child Development

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS).
• Create engaging learning experiences through play, sensory exploration, music, movement, art, literacy, STEM, outdoor play, and hands-on discovery.
• Foster children's independence, confidence, communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.
• Observe, assess, and document each child's developmental progress through ongoing observations and assessments.

Child Care & Health

• Ensure high-quality care during daily routines including diapering, meals, handwashing, rest time, transitions, and outdoor play.
• Maintain a healthy and safe classroom by following all licensing regulations and Hilltop School policies.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures, including first aid, CPR, medication procedures, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Promote positive guidance techniques that support children's emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy relationships.

Family Partnerships

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with families.
• Communicate regularly regarding children's milestones, daily experiences, successes, and developmental progress.
• Work collaboratively with families to support each child's individual needs.

Professionalism

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Collaborate with administration and coworkers to continuously improve classroom quality.

We're Looking For Someone Who...

Is dependable and reliable—our children thrive on consistency, and your presence truly matters.

Has excellent classroom management skills rooted in positive guidance, relationship-building, and respect for children.

Can confidently lead a classroom while mentoring and supporting assistant teachers.

Is organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.

Communicates professionally with children, families, and coworkers.

Loves getting on the floor to play, read stories, sing songs, dance, explore outdoors, and celebrate everyday milestones.

Has a genuine passion for helping young children develop confidence, curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

QualificationsRequired

• Must be 21 years of age or older in accordance with Maine Child Care Licensing Regulations for Lead Teachers in licensed child care centers serving more than 50 children.
• Must successfully pass the Maine DHHS Child Care Background Check.
• Must possess strong leadership, classroom management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers.
• Strong understanding of child development and commitment to using positive guidance practices.
• Ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS).

Lead Teacher Qualifications

Candidates must meet, or be eligible to meet, the qualifications for a Lead Teacher under Maine Child Care Licensing Regulations. This may include one of the following:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education; or
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field with qualifying early childhood coursework and experience; or
• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential with qualifying experience; or
• Maine Roads to Quality Career Lattice Level 5 or higher designation; or
• Qualification through another pathway recognized by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, including approved education, experience, or training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience leading an early childhood classroom.
• Experience mentoring assistant teachers.
• Familiarity with developmental stages in early childhood.
• CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain—we provide paid certification).
• Experience working with children ages 13–24 months strongly preferred.

Why You'll Love Working at Hilltop School

At Hilltop School, we believe that when teachers feel supported, children thrive. Our leadership team has worked as teachers in classrooms themselves and are fully committed to creating a workplace where educators feel respected, appreciated, and empowered to grow.

Benefits Include

Competitive Pay

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Employer 401(k) Match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Childcare Tuition Discount

Paid Professional Development (up to the annual hours required for licensing)

Paid CPR & First Aid Certification

FlexPerks Employee Discount Program

Employee Appreciation Events

Predictable Monday–Friday Schedule

Supportive Leadership Team

Opportunities for Professional Growth and Advancement

Eligibility for Maine's Early Childhood Educator Workforce Salary Supplement Program (based on education, credentials, and program eligibility). This is a bonus of $240 per month or higher based on MRTQ career lattice level. This is administered by the State of Maine and they set the guidelines for amounts.

Why Hilltop is Different

Since 1869, we have been supporting youth in the B angor area. Since 1970, Hilltop School has been committed to providing high-quality early childhood education to children and families in the Bangor community. We believe children deserve caring relationships, meaningful learning experiences, and educators who are supported every step of the way.

We aren't simply hiring employees—we're building a team of professionals who are passionate about making a difference. At Hilltop, collaboration, respect, continuous learning, and genuine care for one another are at the heart of everything we do.

When you join Hilltop School, you're joining a community that believes investing in educators is one of the best investments we can make in children.

The Best Part?

No evenings.

No weekends.

Consistent Monday–Friday schedule.

Work where your contributions are appreciated, your ideas are valued, and your work truly makes a difference.

More Than a Job... A Career That Matters

Every day you'll celebrate first words, first friendships, growing independence, and countless "I did it!" moments. You'll help children build confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning while working alongside a team that is passionate about providing exceptional early childhood education.

If you're looking for a workplace where your leadership is respected, your growth is encouraged, and every day has purpose, we'd love to welcome you to the Hilltop School family.

Apply today and help us build something incredible for our youngest learners!

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This position is 9:00-5:30 Monday Through Friday, Year Round. Are you able to work this shift? Since consistency is extremely important for young children reliability and dependability is huge.
• Please describe any education, training, certifications, and professional experience you have that has prepared you for this position. Please include the ages of children you have worked with, your primary responsibilities, any classroom position, and any other skills or experiences you believe would contribute to your success in this role.

• What interests you about this position specifically?
• Please list all days/times that you would be available for an in-person interview over the next few weeks. Please note, we cannot do interviews after 4:30 p.m. due to our schedules.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• early education/teaching: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR/First Aid Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19