Benefits:
Employee discounts
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Training & development
One Year Old Lead Teacher
Thrive Early Learning Center | Clarksville, TN
Help Build a Classroom Where Toddlers Feel Safe, Loved, and Ready to Thrive.
At Thrive Early Learning Center, we believe early childhood educators do more than teach — they shape how children see themselves, others, and the world around them.
We are currently seeking a strong, nurturing, and dependable Lead Teacher for our One Year Old Classroom. This is a leadership role for someone who understands toddler development, values emotional connection, and can confidently guide both children and classroom staff with patience, consistency, and professionalism.
This is not a babysitting position. We are looking for someone who can lead a classroom intentionally, maintain high standards, build trusting relationships with families, and create an environment where children and teammates feel emotionally safe and supported.
What You’ll Do
As the Lead Teacher, you will:
Lead the daily operations of the toddler classroom
Create a calm, engaging, developmentally appropriate environment
Build strong relationships with children and families
Maintain active supervision and DHS compliance at all times
Guide and support assistant teachers and aides
Implement play-based learning experiences
Support children through emotional development, language growth, routines, and social learning
Maintain classroom structure, organization, and professionalism
Communicate clearly and respectfully with families and team members
Help create a positive classroom culture rooted in teamwork and consistency
What We’re Looking For
We are searching for someone who:
Is warm, patient, and emotionally responsive
Understands toddler behavior and development
Can confidently lead a classroom team
Maintains professionalism under stress
Values structure, consistency, and accountability
Understands the importance of active supervision and safety
Is dependable, coachable, and team-oriented
Wants to grow professionally in early childhood education
Experience in a licensed child care setting is strongly preferred.
CDA, ECE coursework, or related education is a plus.
Thrive Core Values
We Build Belonging
Children, families, and staff should feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
We Lead with Love
We believe in calm guidance, emotional safety, and respectful interactions.
We Protect Childhood
We prioritize play, curiosity, relationships, and developmentally appropriate learning.
We Grow Together
We believe strong teams continue learning, improving, and supporting one another.
Licensing & Professional Expectations
Candidates must be able to:
Meet Tennessee DHS requirements
Pass required background checks
Maintain CPR/First Aid and required trainings
Follow all health, safety, and supervision standards
Maintain dependable attendance and professionalism
Physical Requirements
This role requires frequent movement throughout the day including:
Lifting children
Sitting on the floor
Bending, kneeling, and active engagement
Indoor and outdoor supervision
Assisting with diapering and daily care routines
This Position May Not Be the Right Fit If…
You struggle with patience or emotional regulation
You prefer working independently without teamwork
You become easily overwhelmed by noise or fast-paced environments
You are inconsistent with supervision or professionalism
You are looking for a low-engagement or passive classroom role
Why Thrive?
At Thrive, we are building more than classrooms — we are building a culture.
We are committed to creating an environment where:
Teachers feel respected and supported
Leadership is hands-on and growth-focused
Children are nurtured emotionally and developmentally
Families feel connected and confident in our care
We are looking for educators who want to make a meaningful impact while growing alongside a team that truly cares.
Apply today if you believe children deserve calm, connected, high-quality care — and you want to be part of helping build it.