Lead Infant Teacher

Summary

We are seeking a nurturing and experienced Lead Infant Teacher to provide a safe, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants. The ideal candidate will foster early learning, ensure responsive caregiving, and create meaningful connections with each child and their family. This role requires a deep understanding of infant development, a commitment to individualized care, and strong leadership skills to guide classroom assistants and ensure quality education and care. The Lead Infant Teacher will implement curriculum, maintain health and safety standards, and collaborate with families to support their child's growth and well-being.

Duties

Job duties includes, but aren't limited to:
- Provide Nurturing Care: Create a warm, safe, and loving environment that supports infants’ emotional and physical well-being.
- Develop & Implement Curriculum: Use age-appropriate activities to promote **early development**, including sensory exploration, motor skills, and social interaction.
- Monitor Infant Growth: Observe and track developmental milestones, communicating progress with parents.
- Ensure Health & Safety: Maintain a clean, safe, and hygienic classroom, following all safety protocols and infant care best practices.
- Establish Consistent Routines: Implement structured feeding, diapering, and nap schedules to support infants' needs.
- Encourage Social & Emotional Development: Foster early bonding, communication, and self-regulation through **responsive caregiving**.
- Collaborate with Families: Provide updates, support, and resources to parents, building strong relationships that enhance infant development.
- Train & Lead Classroom Staff: Supervise and mentor teaching assistants, ensuring high-quality infant care and education.
- Utilize Play-Based Learning: Engage infants in interactive activities that stimulate cognitive growth and curiosity.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements:
- Education Required: High school diploma.
- Education Preferred: Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Certification: CPR and First Aid certification required; additional childcare-related certifications preferred.
- Experience: Previous experience working with infants in a childcare, preschool, or early education setting.
- Skills:
- Strong understanding of infant growth and development.
- Ability to implement age-appropriate learning activities and caregiving routines.
- Knowledge of health and safety standards in an infant care environment.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills with parents and colleagues.
- Leadership experience in training or supervising childcare staff.
- Personal Attributes:
- Patience, warmth, and responsiveness to infants’ needs.
- Strong organizational skills to maintain classroom structure and routines.
- Passion for fostering early childhood development in a nurturing way.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
- Additional Certifications: Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or specialized early childhood training.
- Experience with Special Needs: Knowledge of early intervention strategies or experience working with infants with developmental delays.
- Bilingual Abilities: Ability to communicate in multiple languages to better support diverse families.
- Sensory & Play-Based Learning Expertise: Familiarity with Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or other child-centered learning philosophies.
- Strong Parent Engagement Skills: Experience in organizing parent workshops or family support programs.
- Crisis Intervention Training: Knowledge of infant safety, emergency preparedness, and de-escalation techniques.
- Creativity & Adaptability: A passion for designing engaging, hands-on learning experiences for infants.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive Salary: Based on experience, qualifications, and level of education.
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) or pension options with employer contributions.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, holidays, and personal time.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and career growth.
- Tuition Assistance: Support for continued education or childcare-related certifications.
- Childcare Discounts: Reduced tuition for employees’ children at affiliated centers.
- Work-Life Balance: Flexible scheduling options depending on the employer.
- Supportive Work Environment:** Collaborative team and access to childcare resources.