Lead Caregiver - Toddlers

Lead Caregiver - Toddlers

Deadline: June 12, 2026

District/Organization: Essexville-Hampton Public Schools - Essexville, MI

Position/Type: Other, full time

Salary: $18-$27/hour depending on education and experience

Position Details

POSITION: Lead Caregiver - Toddlers

LOCATION: Early Childhood Center

SCHEDULE: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 12-month position. Daily schedule to be determined.

POSTING DATE: June 4, 2026

DEADLINE: June 12, 2026

SUMMARY

The Lead Caregiver for the Toddler Program is responsible for the direct care, supervision, and developmental support of children ages thirty months to four years within the district's Early Childhood Center. This position serves as the primary caregiver in the classroom and implements developmentally appropriate practices aligned with state licensing requirements, program standards, and district expectations. The Lead Caregiver ensures a safe, responsive, and nurturing environment while supporting early learning, social-emotional development, and family engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Preferred credentials include: Infant/Toddler or Birth to Five Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood certification; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field
• Prior lead or supervisory experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed childcare or early childhood setting is required
• Knowledge of safe sleep practices, early childhood development, and responsive caregiving
• Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain
• Ability to meet all state licensing, background check, and fingerprinting requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Direct Care & Instruction

• Provide consistent, high-quality care for children ages thirty months to four years, including feeding, diapering, toileting support, and rest routines
• Implement daily activities that support cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional development
• Observe children closely and respond to individual developmental needs, cues, and interests
• Maintain a calm, predictable, and nurturing classroom environment that supports attachment and trust

Classroom Leadership

• Serve as the primary lead in the toddler classroom on a daily basis
• Guide classroom routines and transitions to ensure consistency and developmental appropriateness
• Support and model best practices for assistant caregivers and support staff in the room
• Maintain appropriate staff-child interactions in accordance with licensing ratios and quality standards

Curriculum and Assessment

• Implement developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with early childhood frameworks (e.g., infant/toddler learning guidelines)
• Document children's development through observation notes, checklists, and portfolios
• Use assessment data to inform individualized care and learning experiences

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with Michigan child care licensing rules and district policies
• Maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary classroom environment at all times
• Follow all health procedures including medication administration policies, illness response protocols, and emergency procedures
• Conduct daily safety checks of classroom materials and equipment

Family Engagement

• Build positive, professional relationships with families based on trust and communication
• Provide regular updates regarding children's daily experiences, development, and needs
• Support family involvement in classroom activities and program events as appropriate
• Communicate concerns or developmental observations to families and leadership in a timely and respectful manner

Program Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Early Childhood Education on program implementation and continuous improvement
• Participate in all staff meetings, professional development, and required trainings
• Assist with maintaining required documentation for licensing accreditation, and district reporting

Other Duties

• Maintain confidentiality regarding students and families
• Participate in district and program initiatives as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director or designee consistent with the nature of this position

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Lead Caregiver must be able to frequently sit on the floor, stand, bend, lift, carry and actively engage with young children. The employee may regularly lift and carry children or classroom materials weighing up to forty pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment consists primarily of early childhood learning environments, including noise and illness exposure risks and ongoing interaction with young children.

E-mail: hr@e-hps.net

Website: Link

Attachments: Lead-caregiver-Toddlers-Job-posting.pdf

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