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What is an infant lead teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.
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An infant lead teacher typically works in a preschool, often with an assistant teacher to share duties. These professionals instruct students, especially children, in concepts like the alphabet, colors, and shapes, often through play or encouraging imaginative thinking. Preschool education involves language, motor, and social skills, so lead teachers often work those into their curriculum alongside the alphabet and other concepts.

Some schools will require you to oversee multiple classrooms. Because teachers in a preschool setting spend so much time around children, you might need to be well-versed in responding to children's needs and recognizing behavioral or emotional problems, which are in turn reported to their parents.

Your average salary in this role would probably be around $32,500 annually. However, to get into this role, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related discipline.

What general advice would you give to an infant lead teacher?

Jessica Espinosa Ph.D.Jessica Espinosa Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor Senior, Miami Dade College

In the upcoming years, I anticipate that the proficiency in integrating Artificial Intelligence and technology in early childhood education will become essential. Educators must master the use of AI and emerging digital tools to enrich the learning experience. Additionally, the ability to apply data-driven approaches in instruction and assessment will be increasingly vital, allowing educators to make well-informed decisions that foster student development. I also think that a strong focus on social and emotional learning, alongside fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, will be indispensable in effectively meeting the varied needs of all learners.
ScoreInfant Lead TeacherUS Average
Salary
2.3

Avg. Salary $29,949

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.7

Growth rate 15%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.91%

Asian 5.88%

Black or African American 8.82%

Hispanic or Latino 15.89%

Unknown 4.57%

White 63.93%

Gender

female 94.97%

male 5.03%

Age - 39
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39
Stress level
7.7

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
10.0

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Infant lead teacher career paths

Key steps to become an infant lead teacher

  1. Explore infant lead teacher education requirements

    Most common infant lead teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    40.0 %

    Associate

    29.0 %

    High School Diploma

    19.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific infant lead teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CPR21.07%
    Customer Service19.51%
    Child Care19.08%
    Child Development15.91%
    CDA5.80%
  3. Complete relevant infant lead teacher training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New infant lead teachers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an infant lead teacher based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real infant lead teacher resumes.
  4. Research infant lead teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Have completed all DSS regulate classes and have CPR and first aid certifications.
    • Keep an up to date NAEYC standard classroom, paperwork, and portfolio.
    • Supervise staff write evaluations, meet with parents, become re-certified in CPR and lifesaving skills.
    • Create and implement weekly lesson plans following a Montessori curriculum.
  5. Get infant lead teacher experience

    Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become an infant lead teacher. The most common roles before becoming an infant lead teacher include cashier, lead teacher team lead and teacher.
  6. Prepare your infant lead teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your infant lead teacher resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an infant lead teacher resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable infant lead teacher resume templates

    Build a professional infant lead teacher resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your infant lead teacher resume.
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
    Infant Lead Teacher Resume
  7. Apply for infant lead teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an infant lead teacher job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first infant lead teacher job

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Average infant lead teacher salary

The average infant lead teacher salary in the United States is $29,949 per year or $14 per hour. Infant lead teacher salaries range between $24,000 and $37,000 per year.

Average infant lead teacher salary
$29,949 Yearly
$14.40 hourly

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How do infant lead teachers rate their job?

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Infant lead teacher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2022
Pros

Seeing the kids learn, grow, over come challenges.

Cons

It can be emotionally and physically draining, especially if not appreciated.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2022
Pros

Gaining the childs trust and watching them geow and learn.

Cons

That in a year the children you fall in love with move on to the next grade.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021
Pros

I like working with my students, their parents and the various specialists my students need in order to increase their physical, emotional, daily living and cognitive skills.

Cons

There are very few things I dislike about working with preschoolers with special needs, other professionals and their parents.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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