Infant/Toddler Teacher

Family Development Services is seeking a dedicated and nurturing Infant-Toddler Teacher to support the growth, development, and school readiness of children ages 0-3 in our Early Head Start program. This position works collaboratively with a partner teacher to create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment that promotes each child's unique developmental journey.

What You'll Do

Child Development & Classroom Instruction

• Foster a nurturing, responsive, and inclusive classroom environment for infants and toddlers.
• Implement daily routines, lesson plans, and curriculum that support cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development.
• Observe, assess, and document children's progress through ongoing observations and developmental assessments.
• Individualize learning experiences based on children's abilities, interests, and developmental needs.
• Support children in developing self-regulation, communication, and positive social skills.
• Implement Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and support children with special needs.

Classroom Management & Safety

• Maintain full supervision of children at all times.
• Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensing regulations, and program policies.
• Conduct daily health and safety checks of the classroom environment.
• Follow proper sanitation, handwashing, diapering, feeding, and universal precaution procedures.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and welcoming classroom.

Family Engagement

• Build positive, trusting relationships with families.
• Conduct two home visits and two parent-teacher conferences annually.
• Collaborate with families to support child development and school readiness goals.
• Encourage family participation in classroom activities and program events.

Team Collaboration

• Partner with co-teachers, family advocates, specialists, and center staff to support children's success.
• Participate in reflective coaching, professional development, staff meetings, trainings, and case conferences.
• Share information with health, nutrition, disabilities, mental health, and family services staff as needed.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential required; Associate's or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
• Must successfully complete a physical examination and all required background checks.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally outside the area (up to 10%) for training, meetings, and other work-related events.
• Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable transportation required.