Position Summary
Watkins Preschool & Early Learning Center is seeking a warm, energetic, patient, and nurturing Lead Teacher for our Tiny Twos Classroom (12–24 months). This teacher will create a safe, loving, faith-filled environment where our youngest learners can explore, grow, and develop at their own pace.
The Tiny Twos Lead Teacher understands that learning begins long before children can fully communicate with words. Through responsive caregiving, meaningful interactions, sensory exploration, music, movement, and play, the Lead Teacher helps lay the foundation for lifelong learning while partnering closely with families during this exciting stage of development.
At Watkins, we believe every child is uniquely created by God and deserves to be known, loved, and encouraged each day.
Responsibilities
Child Development & Learning
- Create a warm, welcoming, and nurturing classroom where every child feels safe and loved.
- Plan and implement developmentally appropriate experiences that encourage exploration through play.
- Support each child's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, language, and spiritual development.
- Foster early language development through conversations, songs, books, fingerplays, and storytelling.
- Encourage independence by allowing children opportunities to make choices, practice self-help skills, and explore their environment.
- Introduce early concepts including:
- Colors
- Shapes
- Numbers
- Simple vocabulary
- Animals
- Nature
- Music and movement
- Incorporate sensory-rich activities that promote curiosity and discovery.
- Encourage gross and fine motor development through daily movement and hands-on experiences.
Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have:
- CDA, Associate's Degree, or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (preferred)
- Experience working with children ages 12–24 months
- Knowledge of child development
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
- Ability to sit, kneel, bend, and actively engage with young children throughout the day
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Ability to pass required background checks and meet Kentucky licensing requirements
The Ideal Watkins Teacher
A Watkins teacher is someone who:
- Loves children wholeheartedly.
- Believes every child learns differently.
- Leads with patience and kindness.
- Finds joy in the little moments.
- Creates meaningful relationships with families.
- Values teamwork.
- Communicates openly and professionally.
- Brings creativity and enthusiasm into the classroom.
- Maintains a positive attitude.
- Is dependable, flexible, and organized.
- Understands that play is the work of young children.
- Models Christian values through everyday interactions.
- Makes every child feel seen, loved, and celebrated.
Pay: $16.00 - $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
