Lake Area Discovery Center·Apple Valley, Minnesota
The Lead Toddler Teacher will manage a classroom of toddlers by planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences. They will also provide leadership to assistant teachers and build positive, supportive relationships with children and their families.
Description Lead Toddler Teacher – Full-Time, Year-Round Lake Area Discovery Center at Grace Lutheran Church | Apple Valley, MN Full-Time | Year-Round | $25.00–$29.00/hour Lake Area Discovery Center (LADC) is hiring a Full-Time Lead Toddler Teacher for our Discovery Center located at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
If you love the energy, curiosity, and incredible developmental growth of toddlers, this is an opportunity to lead your own classroom while being supported by a collaborative team of early childhood educators.
Position Highlights As a Lead Toddler Teacher, you will: Lead a classroom of toddlers in a warm, nurturing, and engaging environment.
Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
Work alongside and provide leadership to classroom Assistant Teachers.
Receive paid daily classroom preparation and planning time.
Collaborate with LADC's on-site and regional Lead Teacher teams.
Work with fellow Lead Teachers to develop monthly lesson plans and share curriculum ideas and classroom resources.
Support children's social-emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development through responsive caregiving and meaningful daily experiences.
Build positive relationships with children and families.
Participate in continuing education, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
Partner with Grace Lutheran Church and LADC leadership to provide high-quality early childhood education within a faith-based community.
Pay & Schedule $25.00–$29.00/hour, based on education, experience, and qualifications.
This is a full-time, year-round Lead Teacher position.
Eligible full-time Lead Teachers receive: Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays and additional non-student days Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) Options Paid Professional Development $500 per Year Continuing Education Credit Student LADC Tuition Discount for Children of Employees (24% for part-time employees; 50% for full-time employees) Supportive Leadership & Advancement Opportunities Paid daily classroom preparation time Collaborative curriculum planning and shared teaching resources Leadership and professional growth opportunities
Applicants must meet Minnesota DHS Lead Teacher qualification requirements. Preferred qualifications include: CDA (Child Development Associate) Degree or coursework in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Education, or a related field Previous experience working with toddlers in a licensed early childhood setting Strong communication, organization, and classroom leadership skills A nurturing, patient, and responsive approach to working with young children Ability to collaborate effectively with Assistant Teachers, families, and fellow Lead Teachers About Lake Area Discovery Center Lake Area Discovery Center has been serving children and families throughout the Twin Cities metro area since 1999 and currently partners with 18 churches and schools. LADC provides high-quality early childhood programming for children ages 6 weeks through 5-year-old Pre-K, partnering with churches and schools in ministry and education to provide rich learning and faith-formation experiences. Lake Area Discovery Center has been NAEYC Nationally Accredited and 4-Star Parent Aware rated since 2009, reflecting our ongoing commitment to high-quality early childhood education. If you are an experienced early childhood educator who is ready to lead a classroom, collaborate with a strong teaching team, and make a meaningful impact during some of children's most important developmental years, we'd love to meet you. Join the Lake Area Discovery Center team at Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley!
Applicants must meet Minnesota DHS Lead Teacher qualification requirements and possess strong classroom leadership and organizational skills. A CDA or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred, along with previous experience in a licensed setting.
Market context
Minnesota special education classroom teacher roles are often in steady demand because districts need licensed educators who can support diverse learner needs. Competition is strongest for candidates who already hold a current Minnesota special education license and bring classroom management, presentation, and instructional technology skills. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your license status and prepare examples of how you’ve handled instruction and behavior support.
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