Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

For Your Child Preschool (FYC) is a nurturing, play-based early childhood education center dedicated to providing a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment. We believe children learn best through exploration, meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, and responsive caregiving. We are seeking a dedicated, energetic, and compassionate Full-Time Infant/Toddler Teacher who is passionate about early childhood education and committed to supporting the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of young children.

The ideal candidate is patient, dependable, collaborative, and enthusiastic about creating meaningful learning experiences for infants and toddlers.

Key Responsibilities

Child Development & Education

• Plan and implement age-appropriate, play-based activities that support developmental milestones.
• Create engaging, hands-on learning opportunities through sensory exploration, music, movement, art, and interactive play.
• Observe and document children's developmental progress, interests, and emerging skills.
• Support children's growing independence, communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional development.
• Adapt activities and caregiving approaches to meet each child's individual needs.

Responsive Caregiving & Classroom Management

• Provide warm, attentive, and nurturing care to infants and toddlers.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to children's physical and emotional needs.
• Establish positive relationships that help children feel safe, secure, and valued.
• Maintain consistent daily routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, and transitions.
• Use positive guidance, redirection, and developmentally appropriate behavior management strategies.
• Encourage positive interactions among children while modeling kindness, patience, and respect.

Health, Safety & Classroom Environment

• Maintain a clean, organized, safe, and welcoming classroom.
• Follow all Illinois DCFS licensing requirements and FYC health and safety policies.
• Supervise children actively and attentively at all times.
• Follow proper sanitation, diapering, feeding, and safe sleep procedures.
• Ensure classroom materials are developmentally appropriate, accessible, and properly maintained.
• Recognize and promptly communicate safety concerns or changes in children's health.

Family Communication

• Build positive, professional relationships with children and their families.
• Communicate regularly regarding daily routines, developmental milestones, and classroom experiences.
• Provide timely and accurate daily updates through FYC's communication platform, Tadpoles.
• Maintain confidentiality and communicate family concerns appropriately to administration.

Teamwork & Professionalism

• Collaborate with co-teachers, support staff, and administration to maintain a positive classroom environment.
• Participate in classroom planning, staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.
• Accept constructive feedback and demonstrate a willingness to grow professionally.
• Contribute to a supportive and respectful workplace culture.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience working with infants and/or toddlers in a licensed childcare or early childhood education setting preferred.
• Genuine passion for working with young children.
• Knowledge of infant and toddler developmental stages and age-appropriate practices.
• Strong communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to meet Illinois DCFS qualifications and background check requirements for the assigned position.
• Ability to safely perform essential caregiving responsibilities, including lifting and carryi