The Lead Infant Toddler Teacher is responsible for planning and leading the daily care and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers. This includes curriculum implementation, child observations, and family engagement practices.
Requirements summary
An associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is required, along with specific qualifications to meet Title 5 and Title 22 requirements. Experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed program is preferred.
associate degreeCommunication SkillsCPR CertificationRecord KeepingTeam LeadershipSupervisionCurriculum ImplementationClassroom ManagementFirst Aid TrainingChild DevelopmentLesson PlanningBilingual SkillsFamily EngagementEarly Childhood EducationHealth and Safety ComplianceObservation Skills
Job description
A little about us… Kidango (kidango.org [https://www.kidango.org]) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life.
We believe that all children can reach their full potential if they and their families have access to the right opportunities and resources.
As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, we provide thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships.
Through our policy work, we aim to take our expertise beyond the children and families that we serve, and drive change in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels.
Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow and realize their potential.
About the Role
The Lead Infant Toddler Teacher is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading the daily care, supervision, and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a state-funded early childhood program. The role leads curriculum implementation, daily routines, child observations, and family engagement practice, and works closely with the Center Director to provide a safe, nurturing, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports each child’s growth and learning.
Our East Palo Alto Center supports a specialized language and literacy program and features the use of innovative portable technology to capture adult and child verbal interactions. In addition, the center will feature outdoor classrooms that incorporate environmental education and play-based learning. The Lead Infant Toddler Teacher helps create a welcoming and responsive classroom environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
Lead the daily care, supervision, and learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Comply with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division regulations (Title 22), California Department of Education (CDE) Early Education Division requirements, including Title 5, and all applicable agency policies and procedures.
Plan and implement a high-quality infant toddler program that supports early language, literacy, social- emotional development, and learning through play.
Benefits
Health Insurance
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Develop and carry out age-appropriate lesson plans, learning experiences, and daily routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, indoor and outdoor play, and small group activities.
Build warm, responsive relationships with children and support their individual developmental needs, including children with IFSP goals and other specialized supports.
Observe children regularly and document their development through notes, photos, and other assigned assessment tools in alignment with program expectations.
Lead curriculum implementation and create classroom environments that encourage exploration, language development, positive interactions, and active learning.
Maintain active supervision of children at all times and ensure all health, safety, and licensing requirements are consistently followed.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, child observations, developmental assessments, and other required documentation.
Partner with families in a respectful and professional way, sharing information about children’s progress, routines, and needs while recognizing families as the child’s first teacher.
Provide guidance, modeling, and daily support to Associate Teachers, Teacher Aides, and other classroom support staff to promote strong teaching practices and teamwork.
Participate in staff meetings, training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to strengthen teaching practice and program quality.
Support classroom cleanliness, organization, and readiness, including materials preparation, sanitizing, and maintaining an engaging learning environment.
Work collaboratively with center leadership and support staff to ensure strong classroom operations, continuity of care, and high-quality services for children and families.
Follows all Kidango safety policies, active supervision practices, health and safety procedures, and licensing requirements at all times to help ensure a safe and compliant environment for children, families, and staff.
Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff while promoting the mission and philosophy of the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
Associate degree required in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
Must meet Title 5 and Title 22 requirements for a Lead Teacher in an infant/toddler classroom, including required Early Childhood Education units and Infant/Toddler units.
Teacher Permit from the Department of Education required
2 to 3 years working with infants and toddlers in a licensed early childhood program preferred.
Experience leading classroom activities, supporting other teaching staff, and helping maintain a high-quality learning environment preferred.
Immunization records that comply with Senate Bill 792 (immunity for measles, pertussis, and influenza.)
Required to be a mandated abuse reporter.
Ability to provide leadership and accept responsibility.
Required CPR/First Aid Training Certification.
Completion CCL Record Keeping Component; 16 hours of health and safety training which includes 1 hour of nutrition training.
Ability to provide leadership, accept responsibility, work independently and set own goals in a professional manner.
Ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously and able to work Kidango’s core work hours and work schedule as assigned, and a flexible schedule, including some evenings.
Bilingual skills are a plus.
Compensation $38.04—$38.04 USD
Additional Requirements
Must pass a health screening and TB test
Must pass background fingerprint clearance
Must be 18 years or older
The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions
Perks
An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Kidango makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects of application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.
A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kidango’s culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!
If you need assistance or accommodation to complete your application, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@kidango.org. We’re happy to support you through the process.
Market context
Infant/Toddler lead roles remain competitive in California
In California, lead teacher roles for infants and toddlers are often in demand because licensed programs must meet Title 5 and Title 22 standards while maintaining consistent care for very young children. This role is competitive because it requires an associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field, plus experience in a licensed infant/toddler setting. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your qualifications and prepare examples of infant/toddler classroom experience before applying.
