Toddler Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of early childhood education, the emphasis on toddler teachers has never been greater.

As education evolves, there is a growing demand for skilled individuals who can nurture, educate, and shape our youngest minds.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a toddler teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day tasks of a toddler teacher,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable toddler teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or educational career sites.

Let’s jump right into it.

Toddler Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

Toddler Teachers play a critical role in the early development of children.

They are responsible for fostering a nurturing and safe environment for toddlers to learn and grow.

Teachers at this level must be patient, enthusiastic, and have a genuine love for children.

Here are some of the most common duties and responsibilities of a Toddler Teacher:

• Plan and implement activities that promote the social, physical, and intellectual growth of children
• Respond appropriately to the needs of toddlers with patience and kindness
• Monitor and track toddlers’ progress and report details to parents and educational administrators
• Enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order
• Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play
• Implement curriculum that aligns with state and school guidelines
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
• Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling
• Encourage children to interact with each other and resolve occasional arguments
• Perform daily health checks of each child to ensure their health and safety
• Prepare meals and snacks for toddlers and clean up the dining area afterward
• Perform basic cleaning tasks as needed such as wiping down surfaces and disinfecting toys

 

Toddler Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Toddler Teacher to join our educational team.

The Toddler Teacher’s responsibilities include creating lesson plans, monitoring children’s social, emotional, and intellectual development, ensuring a safe and clean environment for the children, and communicating with parents regularly.

The ideal candidate should have a natural love for children, patience, creativity, and the ability to educate and care for toddlers in a way that promotes their overall development.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement curriculum in a way that is observed in the classroom as developmentally appropriate
• Provide a warm, safe, and caring atmosphere that fosters children’s self-confidence and independence
• Monitor children’s interactions, ensuring safety at all times, and responding to any physical or emotional needs
• Conduct child assessments and facilitate parent-teacher conferences
• Communicate with parents and guardians about children’s activities, behavior, and developmental milestones
• Maintain cleanliness of classroom and other areas as assigned
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, center events, and parent meetings as requested

 

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role working with toddlers
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification or equivalent
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for toddlers
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact well with children, parents, and staff
• First Aid and CPR certifications
• Fingerprint clearance card
• Ability to meet physical demands of the job (lifting toddlers, bending, kneeling, etc.)

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Toddler Teacher
• Work Environment: Indoor classroom setting with occasional outdoor activities. Must be able to work on feet for extended periods and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Childcare Director or Lead Teacher.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $28,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Toddler Teacher Do?

Toddler Teachers primarily work in preschools, daycares, and private homes, catering to the educational and developmental needs of children aged between 1 to 3 years old.

Their primary responsibility is to create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing educational environment for toddlers.

They plan and implement educational activities that promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of the toddlers.

They also develop and use various instructional materials and methods to engage the toddlers in a learning process.

This can involve telling stories, playing games, demonstrating activities, and teaching basic skills such as color, shape, number recognition, and personal hygiene.

Toddler teachers keep track of each child’s development and behavior, communicating regularly with parents about their child’s progress and addressing any concerns.

They also ensure that the learning environment is clean and free of hazards, and are trained to handle emergencies effectively, prioritizing children’s safety at all times.

In some cases, they may also be responsible for helping toddlers with meals and snacks and changing diapers when needed.

Their goal is to foster independence and help toddlers prepare for further education in preschool.

 

Toddler Teacher Qualifications and Skills

A proficient toddler teacher should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Early childhood education training or relevant experience to effectively provide age-appropriate learning and developmental activities.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with toddlers, understand their needs and communicate with their parents about their progress and behavior.
• Possessing a patient and nurturing demeanor to handle the energetic and often unpredictable nature of toddlers.
• Exemplary creativity and imagination to design engaging and fun educational activities that stimulate the learning and development of toddlers.
• Interpersonal skills to build positive and trusting relationships with the children and their parents.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities to manage any behavioral or learning difficulties that may arise.
• Strong knowledge of safety and hygiene standards to ensure a safe and clean environment for the children.
• Physical stamina and ability to keep up with active toddlers, as well as perform tasks like lifting children or bending down repeatedly.

 

Toddler Teacher Experience Requirements

Toddler Teachers often start their career paths by acquiring a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.

Most employers also require at least a year or two of experience working with young children, which can often be obtained through internships, practicums, or part-time roles in daycare centers or pre-schools.

In addition, many preschools and daycare centers prefer toddler teachers who have earned a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which requires a certain amount of classroom experience, typically around 480 hours.

Toddler Teachers with 3 to 5 years of experience often have had the opportunity to develop their skills in classroom management, lesson planning, and parent communication.

They may also have experience catering to children with special needs.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field, often possess leadership skills and could be ready for a head teacher or preschool director position.

They might have a track record of creating and implementing successful educational programs for toddlers, and may have taken on additional responsibilities such as staff training and curriculum development.

 

Toddler Teacher Education and Training Requirements

A Toddler Teacher typically requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a related field.

This degree provides the fundamental knowledge of child development, learning strategies, and teaching methods appropriate for young children.

It also covers topics such as child psychology, first aid, and safety protocols.

In many states, toddler teachers must obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a similar certification.

This requires a combination of classroom training and experience in the field.

Aside from formal education, toddler teachers should have a patient, nurturing demeanor, and excellent communication skills to effectively interact with children, parents, and other educators.

Continuing education in the form of workshops or additional coursework can also be beneficial for staying updated on the latest teaching strategies and child safety guidelines.

In addition, many states require toddler teachers to pass a background check and maintain current first aid and CPR certifications.

Some employers may prefer candidates with specialized training or experience in a specific teaching method or curriculum, such as Montessori or Reggio Emilia approach.

 

Toddler Teacher Salary Expectations

A Toddler Teacher earns an average salary of $29,780 (USD) per year.

However, the earnings may differ based on factors like experience, educational qualifications, location, and the institution they are employed at.

 

Toddler Teacher Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Toddler Teacher need?

While requirements may vary from state to state and from one educational institution to another, a Toddler Teacher usually needs a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, most employers prefer candidates with a degree or certification in Early Childhood Education.

In addition, some states require Toddler Teachers to have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or a similar state-issued certification.

 

What skills are required for a Toddler Teacher?

Toddler Teachers should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with young children and their parents.

They should also possess patience, creativity, and the ability to manage classroom behaviors.

Moreover, they must have a good understanding of early childhood development and the ability to plan and implement educational activities that promote toddlers’ physical, emotional, and intellectual growth.

 

What are the daily duties of a Toddler Teacher?

On a typical day, a Toddler Teacher might start by preparing the classroom and the day’s learning materials.

They would then greet the toddlers as they arrive, help them settle in, and lead them through various learning activities throughout the day, such as singing, reading stories, art projects, and outdoor play.

Toddler Teachers also supervise meal times and rest periods, address any behavioral or developmental concerns, and maintain open communication with parents.

 

What qualities make a good Toddler Teacher?

A good Toddler Teacher is patient, understanding, and has a genuine love for children.

They should be able to create a warm, nurturing environment that fosters learning and development.

They should also have good organizational skills to plan daily activities and manage a classroom effectively.

Additionally, they should have strong problem-solving skills to handle any issues or conflicts that may arise.

 

Is a Toddler Teacher’s job physically demanding?

Yes, working as a Toddler Teacher can be physically demanding.

The role often involves standing for long periods, bending, lifting, and often playing on the floor with children.

Toddler Teachers must also be able to keep up with the high energy levels of toddlers, as they are often required to supervise outdoor play and engage in physical activities with the children.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve opened the book on what it really means to be a toddler teacher.

Guess what?

It’s not just about teaching ABCs and 123s.

It’s about nurturing the future, one child at a time.

With our ready-to-use toddler teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child is a part of the greater future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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