Lead Young 2-Year-Old Preschool Teacher

Lead Preschool Teacher – Young Two-Year-Old Classroom

Small Blessings Preschool | Hyde Park United Methodist Church
Tampa, FL | On-Site | Monday–Friday | 29 Hours per Week

Love Working with Two-Year-Olds? Come Grow With Us!

Small Blessings Preschool, a ministry of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in South Tampa, is looking for a warm, enthusiastic, and nurturing Lead Teacher to join our Young Two-Year-Old classroom!

We're looking for someone who genuinely LOVES working with young toddlers and understands the joy, energy, curiosity, and big emotions that come with this special age.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about early childhood education, believes children learn best through play, and is excited to create a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Our classroom serves up to 12 young two-year-olds and is staffed by a Lead Teacher and an Assistant Teacher who work collaboratively to support children's learning and development.

What You'll Do

• Create a warm, nurturing classroom where children feel safe, loved, and supported.
• Plan and implement engaging, hands-on, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Support children's social-emotional development through positive guidance, patience, and responsive interactions.
• Recognize that toddler behaviors are often forms of communication and respond with empathy and age-appropriate expectations.
• Establish predictable, flexible routines and engaging transitions that meet young children's developmental needs.
• Encourage independence through everyday experiences, including handwashing, mealtimes, classroom routines, and beginning toilet learning.
• Build meaningful relationships with children and families.
• Collaborate closely with an Assistant Teacher to create a positive, organized, and engaging classroom.
• Partner with administration and colleagues to support children's individual needs.
• Participate in professional development and contribute to our collaborative school community.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working with toddlers, preferably children ages 18–30 months.
• A genuine love for young children and an understanding of their developmental needs.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate, play-based early childhood education.
• Patience, flexibility, creativity, and a positive attitude.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• A willingness to learn, grow, and welcome feedback.
• Dependability, professionalism, and a commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience as a Lead Teacher or toddler teacher preferred.
• Early Childhood Education coursework, CDA, Associate's degree, or higher degree preferred. Candidates willing to pursue a CDA within 12 months are encouraged to apply.
• Florida DCF-required training and background screening eligibility.
• First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification within one month.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfortable supporting and participating in a Christian early childhood environment.

Position Details

• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 29 hours per week
• Location: Small Blessings Preschool, South Tampa
• Age Group: Young Two-Year-Olds
• Class Size: Up to 12 children
• Classroom Team: Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher
• Compensation: $16-$22 per hour
• Benefits: 
  • 12 paid holidays when those holidays fall on a day you are normally scheduled to work. 
  • Annual discretionary employer contribution to the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) after one year of employment. You may begin personal contributions at any time.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) earned at the rate stated in the Personnel Manual based on hours worked.