Support Teacher - Infant Toddler

‍REPORTS TO- EDUCATION DIRECTOR

POSITION SUMMARY

The Infant Toddler Support Teacher brings warmth, attentiveness, and professional knowledge to the care and development of children from birth through age two. Working in close partnership with the Lead Teacher, this role is both collaborative and independently grounded — requiring a caregiver who is confident in the unique developmental rhythms of infants and toddlers, responsive to each child's cues, and knowledgeable in best practices aligned with Wisconsin DCF licensing guidelines for group child care centers.

The Infant Toddler Support Teacher supports the educational and spiritual mission of Divine Mercy Academy by nurturing each child's emerging sense of self, trust, and wonder — in accordance with Montessori philosophy and Catholic values.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsive Infant and Toddler Care

• Provide warm, consistent, and attentive physical care including diapering, feeding, soothing, and supporting sleep routines in alignment with each child's individual schedule
• Respond promptly and sensitively to infant cues — hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, and the need for connection — building secure attachment and trust
• Support toddlers in emerging self-care skills (hand washing, toileting readiness, dressing) with patience, encouragement, and respect for each child's developmental pace
• Maintain accurate daily records of feeding, diapering, sleep, and notable developmental observations, consistent with DCF documentation requirements

Observation and Developmental Monitoring

• Observe and document each infant and toddler's developmental milestones across domains: social-emotional, language, motor, and cognitive
• Use observational records to support individualized caregiving and to inform the Lead Teacher's planning
• Recognize and gently flag developmental concerns to the Lead Teacher or Education Director in a timely and caring manner
• Apply knowledge of infant-toddler development (birth through 24 months) to daily interactions and environmental decisions

Environment Preparation and Safety

• Maintain a safe, clean, and nurturing prepared environment that meets DCF licensing standards for infant and toddler group care
• Conduct routine safety checks of materials, equipment, and sleep spaces in accordance with licensing requirements (e.g., safe sleep practices, sanitation protocols)
• Support a beautiful and ordered space that invites curiosity and supports the natural movement and exploration of very young children
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and rotation of developmentally appropriate materials that honor the sensory and motor needs of infants and toddlers

Collaborative Partnership with the Lead Teacher

• Work in close, respectful partnership with the Lead Teacher to maintain consistent routines and a cohesive caregiving approach
• Communicate openly and regularly with the Lead Teacher regarding individual children's needs, moods, and daily experiences
• Implement caregiving approaches and classroom procedures as established by the Lead Teacher, while bringing independent professional judgment to moment-to-moment care decisions
• Support the Lead Teacher in maintaining classroom flow so that deep, individualized attention to each child is always possible

Support for Child Independence and Development

• Foster each child's growing autonomy through patient scaffolding, narration of daily routines, and respect for self-directed exploration
• Use language that is rich, warm, and developmentally attuned — narrating actions, naming emotions, and responding to emerging communication
• Model grace, courtesy, and gentle redirection appropriate to the developmental stage of infants and toddlers
• Support the development of secure attachment while nurturing each child's natural drive toward independence

Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices

• Demonstrate working knowledge of Wisconsin DCF Group Child Care licensing guidelines as they apply to infant and toddler programs, including staff-to-child ratios, safe sleep (SIDS prevention), sanitation, and health requirements
• While DMA is not required to follow all DCF guidelines, we use them as a framework for best practices in infant and toddler care
• Follow all required reporting protocols and maintain required health and safety documentation
• Participate in any DCF-related training or professional development relevant to infant and toddler care

Flexibility and Coverage

• Maintain the flexibility to respond to daily caregiving needs and staffing realities
• Serve as a steady, calming presence during staff transitions or coverage situations
• Adapt daily responsibilities based on the needs of individual children and the classroom community

Additional Duties

• Communicate with warmth, consistency, and professionalism —
• Support school events and parent meetings as needed
• Attend staff meetings and required professional development sessions
• Model Catholic values and Montessori principles in all interactions
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher or Education Director

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Genuine love for infants and toddlers, and a deep commitment to their care, dignity, and development
• Knowledge of infant-toddler development from birth through 24 months
• Familiarity with Wisconsin DCF licensing requirements for infant and toddler group care, or willingness to learn
• Commitment to supporting the Catholic Faith and Montessori philosophy as part of Divine Mercy Academy's mission
• Brings joy, warmth, and calm to daily interactions with very young children
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and administration while exercising independent professional judgment
• Patience, attentiveness, flexibility, and a genuine nurturing presence
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Pass background check and comply with diocesan Safe Environment requirements

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, and safely move infants and toddlers 
• Comfort with physical care routines including diapering, feeding, and floor-level play
• Stamina to remain actively engaged in caregiving throughout the full program day
• Ability to supervise children in indoor and outdoor settings

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Serves as a warm and trustworthy ambassador of Divine Mercy Academy
• Approaches caregiving with attentiveness, tenderness, and professional confidence
• Models grace, courtesy, and respect in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues
• Demonstrates compassion, reliability, dependability, and punctuality
• Maintains a positive and growth-oriented attitude
• Works as a collaborative team member while bringing independent strengths to the care of young children
• Approaches challenges with flexibility, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset