Sunshine Academy·Laurel, Montana
The Lead Infant Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing environment while meeting the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of infants. They must also implement age-appropriate lesson plans, maintain classroom cleanliness, and communicate effectively with families regarding daily progress.
AND REQUIREMENTS: · Minimum Level 2 on The Practitioner Registry or 2+ years of early childhood experience in a licensed program and/or their CDA, or BA/Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development, or preschool certification through an accredited program. · Current certification for infant, child, and adult CPR/AED and infant choking response, and standard and pediatric first aid. CPR certification must be completed in a hands-on setting · Complete facility overview training · Current on the ECP Practitioner Registry · Able to lift 45 pounds · Able to easily maneuver up and down from the floor · Have sufficient language skills to communicate with children and adults · Can demonstrate they are of good moral character · Able to demonstrate they are physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations · Current on MMR and Tetanus Immunizations
The Lead Infant Teacher is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for infants.
Essential Responsibilities Child Care & Development Provide loving, responsive, and individualized care for each infant.
Meet each child's physical, emotional, social, and developmental needs.
Follow each infant's feeding, sleeping, diapering, and care schedule.
Support developmental milestones through age-appropriate activities, tummy time, sensory play, music, reading, and language development.
Maintain a calm, clean, and nurturing classroom environment.
Curriculum & Learning Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
Provide daily sensory experiences and opportunities for exploration.
Observe and document children's developmental progress.
Health & Safety Ensure active supervision of children at all times.
Follow all licensing regulations and The Sunshine Academy policies.
Complete diaper changes according to policy and maintain accurate diapering records.
Sanitize toys, equipment, and classroom materials daily.
Maintain a clean and organized classroom.
Practice safe sleep procedures at all times.
Family Communication Build positive relationships with families.
Communicate daily about feedings, diapering, naps, activities, and developmental milestones.
Ensure daily updates, notes, and photos are entered into the parent communication app.
Address parent questions professionally and communicate concerns to administration when appropriate.
Classroom Management & Organization Keep the classroom clean, organized, and inviting.
Label and organize materials and storage areas.
Maintain an attractive classroom environment.
Ensure supplies are stocked and notify administration when items need to be reordered.
Professional Expectations Follow the staff dress code and professionalism expectations.
Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development.
Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and coworkers.
Be flexible and assist other classrooms as needed.
Candidates must have at least 2 years of early childhood experience or relevant educational credentials such as a CDA or degree in Early Childhood Development. Additionally, applicants must hold current CPR/First Aid certifications and be physically capable of performing essential classroom duties.
Market context
In Montana, classroom teacher roles are typically driven by ongoing demand for experienced educators who can step into licensed early childhood settings and meet certification requirements. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for candidates with verified program experience, CPR, Pediatric First Aid, Infant Safety Essentials, and either 32 hours of ECP training or Level 2 registry status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your credentials and highlight your early childhood experience in your application.
