What are the responsibilities and job description for the Waddler Lead Teacher position at Plateau Early Learning Center?
PELC is a learning center, not a babysitting center. We are looking for individuals with a strong passion for learning to join our team!
Responsibilities
The Lead Waddler Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for children ages 1–2 years. This role includes designing and implementing engaging activities that support waddlers’ rapid growth in mobility, communication, and independence, as well as supervising and guiding assistant teachers. The Lead Teacher builds strong relationships with families, ensures classroom compliance with licensing regulations, and fosters a positive, supportive learning atmosphere.
Duties
The Lead Waddler Teacher’s specific duties follow, but these may vary as needed to meet the needs of children, families, and PELC’s program.
- Create activities, implement, and evaluate a daily curriculum tailored to the developmental needs of 1–2-year-olds, focusing on language, social-emotional skills, gross and fine motor development, and sensory exploration.
- Create a classroom environment that promotes safety, exploration, and hands-on learning.
- Supervise and mentor assistant teachers, modeling positive guidance and effective teaching strategies.
- Maintain teacher-to-child ratios and ensure smooth classroom operations throughout the day.
- Support toddlers in learning self-help skills such as feeding themselves, using cups/utensils, and beginning potty training readiness routines (as appropriate).
- Foster social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, and cooperative play.
- Provide consistent routines for meals, naps, and transitions to support security and predictability.
- Encourage verbal and non-verbal communication through songs, stories, sign language, and interactive activities.
- Track and document each child’s developmental progress.
- Build strong, positive relationships with parents and guardians through daily communication and scheduled conferences.
- Share developmental milestones and discuss ways families can support learning at home.
- Provide updates on routines, activities, and any concerns in a timely and professional manner.
- Ensure all activities and routines meet state licensing requirements and center policies.
- Conduct daily safety inspections of toys, furniture, and play areas.
- Follow health, hygiene, and sanitation guidelines, including frequent handwashing and toy cleaning.
- Work closely with other teachers and administrative staff to coordinate curriculum and activities.
- Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Contribute ideas and solutions to improve program quality and teamwork.
Qualifications
- MERIT Profile Verified
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children in a licensed childcare setting.
- Education: High school diploma or GED and one of the following:
- ECE Short Certificate (20 ECE credits)
- → Must be completed by August 1st 2026 or within 5 years of hire.
- Associate degree or higher in ECE or related field.
- → PELC requires their lead teacher to take a minimum of one class per quarter to complete their Associate Degree in ECE.
- Approved alternative qualifications
- Certifications: Current CPR/First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit, 30 Hours STARS*, and any state-required training (e.g., Safe Sleep, Mandated Reporter).
- Strong understanding of infant development, responsive caregiving, and early learning best practices.
- Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and engage in floor play.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
* Or education per DCYF that qualifies for 30-Hour STARS training exemption.
Work Schedule
- Full-time, Monday–Friday (hours to be determined).
- 8 hours shift
- Occasional evenings or weekends for events or training.
Benefits
- Professional development assistance
- Discount Childcare
- Retirement account
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off (1.5h per 40h worked)
- Paid holidays
- Paid lunch break
- Opportunity for financial education
