Job Title
Nursery Lead Teacher
Program
Little Precious Angels Childcare (LPACC)
Reports To
Director / Assistant Director / Unit Administration
Position Summary
The Nursery Lead Teacher is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, care, and instructional practices within the nursery/infant unit. This role ensures a safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment while maintaining compliance with Missouri DESE licensing regulations and accreditation standards. The Nursery Lead Teacher leads classroom staff, models professionalism, and supports high-quality infant care practices.
Required Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience working in an early childhood education setting
- Experience working specifically with infants and young toddlers
- Prior experience in a lead, mentor, or supervisory role is preferred
Education & Certification Requirements
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential – Required
- Infant/Toddler CDA preferred
- High School Diploma or GED (minimum)
- Active Missouri Professional Development (MOPD) account
- Current CPR & First Aid Certification (Infant, Toddler, Adult)
- Completion of all DESE-required trainings, including but not limited to:
- Safe Sleep
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Emergency Preparedness
- Caring for Vulnerable Children
- Must pass:
- Comprehensive background screening
- Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR)
- Fingerprinting (as required by Missouri)
Job Responsibilities
Classroom Leadership & Supervision
- Lead the nursery classroom with consistency, structure, and professionalism
- Ensure proper staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times
- Assign daily classroom duties and support assistant teachers
- Step in immediately to address classroom needs without waiting for direction
Child Care & Development
- Provide nurturing, responsive care that supports infant development
- Implement developmentally appropriate routines, activities, and transitions
- Support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
- Maintain accurate daily documentation for each child
Health, Safety & Compliance
- Enforce safe sleep practices at all times (non-negotiable)
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free environment
- Follow all health, sanitation, and emergency procedures
- Report safety concerns, incidents, or licensing issues immediately
Documentation & Communication
- Complete daily reports, attendance, incident reports, and required records
- Communicate professionally and respectfully with families and administration
- Ensure all child belongings are labeled and properly stored
Team Support & Professionalism
- Model positive behavior, accountability, and leadership for staff
- Support new staff and trainees in nursery procedures
- Accept feedback with professionalism and use it for growth
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
Personality & Professional Traits Required
The ideal Nursery Lead Teacher must demonstrate:
- Patience, calmness, and emotional stability
- Strong leadership and decision-making skills
- Dependability, punctuality, and accountability
- Clear communication and problem-solving abilities
- A nurturing, compassionate, and child-centered mindset
- Ability to work independently without constant supervision
- Willingness to uphold structure, routines, and expectations consistently
Accreditation & Quality Standards Expectations
- Maintain classroom practices aligned with Missouri Accreditation Standards
- Support continuous quality improvement initiatives
- Participate in observations, audits, and professional development
- Ensure curriculum, environment, and documentation meet accreditation benchmarks
- Uphold LPACC’s mission, values, and commitment to excellence
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to lift, carry, and move infants as needed
- Ability to sit on the floor, bend, stand, and move throughout the day
- Maintain alertness and supervision at all times
Statement of Commitment
Little Precious Angels Childcare is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality early learning environment. The Nursery Lead Teacher plays a critical role in protecting children, supporting families, and leading with integrity and professionalism.