Lead or Assistant Toddler Teacher

Nest Learning Academy – Rockford, MN

Reggio-Inspired
• Play-Based
• Low Ratios
• High Support

Nest Learning Academy is growing, and we're looking for a warm, empathetic, and passionate Toddler Teacher to join our close-knit team. Our ratios are intentionally low so teachers can build meaningful relationships, support emotional development, and create joyful, child-led learning experiences.

If you love toddlers—their curiosity, their big feelings, their independence, and their huge developmental leaps—this is the place for you.

Why You'll Love Working at Nest

We believe that when teachers are supported, children thrive. Nest offers an exceptional work environment with top-tier benefits, including:

Outstanding Benefits

• Low teacher-to-child ratios that allow you to truly connect and teach
• Paid CDA to support your professional growth
• Paid Winter Break and all federal holidays
• Generous PTO package
• Childcare discount for staff families
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Supportive leadership that values your voice, your ideas, and your well-being

A Reggio-Inspired, Play-Based Curriculum

Our classrooms are designed around:

• Open-ended materials
• Hands-on exploration
• The toddler play-schemas
• Respectful caregiving routines
• Deep observation and documentation
• Emergent learning based on children's interests

You'll have the freedom to create meaningful provocations, follow children's curiosity, and build a nurturing, peaceful environment where toddlers feel safe to explore.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who embodies warmth, empathy, and a genuine love for toddlers. The ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about child development and early learning
• Excited to work with a collaborative, close-knit team
• Open to coaching, reflection, and a growth mindset
• Interested in deepening their skills through ongoing professional development
• Reliable, patient, and confident in balancing structure with child-led play
• Comfortable building strong relationships with families

Whether you're newer to the field or an experienced lead, we value educators who are eager to grow and committed to giving toddlers the loving, respectful care they deserve.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, joyful, and safe environment rooted in Reggio-inspired best practices
• Plan and implement play-based activities that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
• Observe children and document learning experiences
• Support toddlers through big feelings with empathy, co-regulation, and connection
• Partner with your teaching team to maintain a calm, organized, and welcoming classroom
• Build trusting relationships with families through daily communication
• Follow all licensing regulations and center policies
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and lifelong learning

Qualifications

For Lead Teacher candidates:

• Meets MN Rule 3 requirements for Lead Teacher
• Experience in toddler classrooms preferred

For Assistant Teacher candidates:

• Meets MN Rule 3 assistant qualifications
• Experience with toddlers is a plus but not required

Nest gladly supports ongoing education and covers the cost of your CDA if you are working toward lead teacher qualifications.

Join Our Nest

If you're a compassionate educator who believes in play, connection, and child-led learning—and you want to grow in a supportive, high-quality environment—we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and help us nurture the next generation of curious, confident learners.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Childcare
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20