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Location

Ashland, Virginia

Salary

$16 - $18 / HOUR

Quick overview

The Lead Pre-Toddler Teacher will lead a classroom of young toddlers (16 months – 2 years) in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment, focusing on play-based learning experiences. Responsibilities include planning activities, observing children's interests, building relationships with families, and mentoring assistant teachers.

Requirements summary

Candidates must have experience working with infants or toddlers and possess strong communication and relationship-building skills. A degree or certification in Early Childhood Education is preferred, along with the ability to create a calm, organized classroom and meet state licensing requirements.

professional certificateassociate degreebachelor degreeDependabilityTeam CollaborationRelationship BuildingOrganizationCurriculum ImplementationParent CommunicationClassroom LeadershipChild ObservationNurturing Environment CreationPlay-Based LearningInquiry-Based Approach

Job description

Benefits

No nights and weekends 401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off No nights. No weekends. A career where you’re truly valued.

Are you an experienced early childhood educator who loves working with toddlers—and wants to be in a school where your work is respected, supported, and appreciated every day?

At The Goddard School of Ashland, we believe the most important part of our school is our teachers. This is not just another childcare job—it’s an opportunity to be part of a professional, well-run, family-owned school where you can focus on what you do best: nurturing children, building relationships, and creating meaningful learning experiences.

Why Teachers Choose Goddard Ashland You’ll work in a supportive, team-oriented environment where leadership is present and engaged You’ll be valued as a professional, not just treated as staff You’ll have the tools, curriculum, and training to do your job well You’ll build real relationships with families who trust and appreciate you You’ll go home each day knowing your work truly matters What Makes This Role Special Our Pre-Toddler (16 months –2 years) classroom is full of curiosity, personality, and growth. This is a stage where children are discovering independence, language, and how the world works—and you get to guide that journey.

At Goddard, we use an inquiry-based, play-centered approach that allows children to explore, repeat, and discover—building critical brain connections through hands-on experiences and relationships. You’re not just managing a classroom—you’re shaping how children learn, grow, and feel about themselves.

Your Role as a Lead Teacher Lead a classroom of young toddlers in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment Plan and implement hands-on, play-based learning experiences Observe children’s interests and tailor activities to support development Build strong, trusting relationships with children and families Communicate daily with parents through conversations and our app Mentor and collaborate with assistant teachers to create a strong classroom team What It Feels Like to Work Here

You’ll hear laughter, curiosity, and excitement throughout the day You’ll experience the joy of toddlers learning something new for the first time You’ll be part of a school that prioritizes quality, not chaos You’ll feel supported—not left on your own Benefits & Perks Medical, dental, and vision insurance Paid time off and holidays Childcare discounts Retirement plan and life insurance Ongoing professional development and paid training (CEUs available) Support for earning your CDA and advancing your career Consistent schedule with no nights or weekends

Qualifications

Experience working with infants or toddlers required CDA, Associate’s, or Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education (preferred) Strong communication and relationship-building skills Professional, dependable, and team-oriented Ability to create a calm, engaging, and organized classroom Meets state licensing and background check requirements Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs. as needed About Us The Goddard School is a nationally recognized leader in early childhood education, serving children from six weeks to six years old. Our Wonder of Learning® curriculum blends play, exploration, and teacher-guided experiences to support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth.

At our Ashland location, we take that a step further—we are a family-run school where relationships matter, teachers are supported, and children are truly known and cared for.

If you’re ready to work in a school where you’re respected, supported, and inspired every day—apply today.

Benefits

  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Holidays
  • Medical Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Training
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Retirement Plan
  • Ongoing Professional Development
  • Opportunity for Advancement
  • Childcare Discounts