The Lead Early Childhood Educator in the Toddler Room plays a key role in creating a warm, engaging, and responsive environment where toddlers feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore their growing independence.
As the leader of the classroom, this role is responsible for planning and implementing developmentally appropriate programming that supports toddlers’ social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The Lead Educator also mentors and guides the Assistant Educator, ensuring a collaborative, positive, and well-functioning classroom environment.
This position is ideal for someone energetic, patient, and knowledgeable about toddler development, who thrives in a leadership role and is passionate about supporting early learning through play, exploration, and relationships.
Duties
- Lead the planning and implementation of play-based, developmentally appropriate experiences that support toddlers’ curiosity, independence, and developmental milestones.
- Create and maintain a safe, structured, and engaging classroom environment that supports active learning and exploration.
- Supervise toddlers during play, routines, and outdoor time, ensuring safety while encouraging independence and exploration.
- Oversee and support daily routines including meals, toileting/diapering, naps, and transitions.
- Model positive guidance strategies to support toddlers’ emotional regulation, social development, and emerging independence.
- Mentor and guide the Assistant Educator by modeling best practices, providing ongoing support, sharing knowledge of child development, and offering constructive feedback.
- Foster a collaborative team environment by encouraging open communication, mutual respect, and shared responsibility within the classroom.
- Support the professional growth of team members by demonstrating effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and responsive caregiving approaches.
- Plan and prepare engaging activities that promote language development, problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction.
- Ensure the classroom environment is well-organized, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, ensuring toys, materials, and learning spaces are properly sanitized and maintained.
- Monitor the safety and appropriateness of all classroom materials and equipment.
- Support toddlers in developing independence, confidence, and self-help skills through consistent routines and guidance.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, including attendance, routines, observations, and family communication.
- Communicate effectively with families, sharing updates on children’s development and daily experiences.
- Collaborate with team members and leadership to ensure smooth daily operations and continuous program improvement.
- Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, center policies, and health and safety standards.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for children, families, and staff.
Qualifications
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate Level 2 or Level 3
- Valid Infant/Child First Aid and CPR certification
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
- Solid understanding of toddler development and positive guidance practices
Experience
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in an early childhood setting
- Experience working with toddlers is required
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience is an asset
- Demonstrated experience mentoring or supporting other educators
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Experience working with diverse needs and abilities
- Proficiency with documentation and communication tools
- Strong understanding of play-based, developmentally appropriate practice
We are excited to welcome a compassionate and dedicated educator who is committed to providing nurturing, high-quality care for our youngest learners.
Pay: $22.55-$27.62 per hour
Work Location: In person
