Toddler Teacher

Job title: Toddler Teacher

About the Role The Toddler Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children six weeks to 12 years at Oakwood University’s child care center. This position supports the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development of toddlers through consistent routines, positive guidance, and attentive supervision. The role implements classroom activities aligned with Alabama Department of Human Resources Minimum Standards, Oakwood University policies, and best practices in early childhood education. The role requires strict adherence to child safety regulations, professional conduct, and the mission and values of Oakwood University and Seventh-day Adventist education.

What You'll Do

• Provide constant, active supervision to ensure the safety and well-being of all toddlers.
• Create and maintain a nurturing, developmentally appropriate classroom environment for children ages 12–36 months.
• Implement daily routines and learning activities that support toddlers’ social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development.
• Use positive behavior guidance techniques consistent with Alabama DHR Minimum Standards and Oakwood Tinyversity policies.
• Prohibit all forms of corporal punishment or inappropriate discipline and immediately report concerns in accordance with mandatory reporting laws.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, incident reports, and daily classroom documentation.
• Observe, assess, and document children’s development and communicate progress appropriately.
• Support children’s emotional regulation, independence, and socialization through modeling and guidance.
• Maintain proper teacher-to-child ratios and always follow supervision protocols.
• Collaborate effectively with co-teachers and support staff to ensure classroom consistency and continuity of care.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents/guardians regarding daily activities, needs, and concerns.
• Follow all Oakwood University, Oakwood Tinyversity, and Alabama DHR policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation of the classroom in accordance with health and safety standards.
• Participate in required training, professional development, staff meetings, and compliance activities.
• Uphold confidentiality of student and family information in accordance with privacy requirements.
• Support and model Oakwood University’s mission, values, and commitment to a faith-based, service-oriented educational environment while providing courteous, equitable, and compliant customer service.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director or designee in support of program operations.

What We're Looking For

• High school diploma or GED.
• Coursework or credential in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• CDA (Child Development Associate) credential or progress toward early childhood certification.
• Experience in a licensed childcare center or university-affiliated early learning program.
• Familiarity with classroom observation, child assessment, and early learning frameworks.
• Experience working within a faith-based or mission-driven educational environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a teaching team.
• Background Check Requirements: Successful completion of all required criminal background checks as mandated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources before employment. Clearance through state and federal background screening systems, including fingerprinting. Ongoing compliance with background rechecks as required by licensing regulations or institutional policy. Immediate reporting of any disqualifying offense or change in background status in accordance with Oakwood University and DHR requirements.
• Health Clearance Requirements: Submission of a current health assessment verifying physical and mental ability to safely care for young children. Compliance with immunization and vaccination requirements as established by Alabama DHR and Oakwood University policy (or approved exemptions where applicable). Completion of required tuberculosis screening and any other mandated health clearances. Compliance with illness, communicable disease, and health reporting policies to ensure the safety of children and staff.
• Training and Certification Requirements: Completion of all Alabama DHR-required pre-service and ongoing training hours within mandated timeframes. Maintenance of current certification in First Aid for Pediatric Infant/Child CPR. Completion of mandatory training in Child abuse and neglect prevention and reporting; Positive behavior guidance; Health and safety practices; Supervision and classroom management. Participation in ongoing professional development, in-service training, and staff meetings as required. Willingness to attend additional training to support compliance, quality improvement, and program needs.
• Physical and other requirements: Willingness to perform duties consistent with operational requirements and to adapt to the needs of a child care program.

Compensation & Benefits