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Lead teacher vs infant and toddler teacher

The differences between lead teachers and infant and toddler teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a lead teacher and an infant and toddler teacher. Additionally, a lead teacher has an average salary of $33,652, which is higher than the $29,606 average annual salary of an infant and toddler teacher.

The top three skills for a lead teacher include CPR, customer service and child care. The most important skills for an infant and toddler teacher are CPR, child care, and child development.

Lead teacher vs infant and toddler teacher overview

Lead TeacherInfant And Toddler Teacher
Yearly salary$33,652$29,606
Hourly rate$16.18$14.23
Growth rate5%15%
Number of jobs56,13163,094
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Average age4340
Years of experience22

What does a lead teacher do?

The Lead Teacher works with parents to resolve student issues and train new teachers on effective teaching techniques. A Lead Teacher is a licensed teacher with extensive teaching experience and preferably has a master's in education or related studies. They are an integral part of a school's faculty and the principal's arm in drafting policies for implementation.

What does an infant and toddler teacher do?

An infant and toddler teacher is an individual who aids in the cognitive and social development of preschool children by teaching them the most basic skills that focus on play-centered learning and creativity. Infant and toddler teachers must help children develop positive self-images and encourage them to explore their interests and develop social skills. They must plan and carry out a curriculum that teaches children basic skills such as color, shape, and letter recognition. Infant and toddler teachers must also meet the children's parents to discuss concerns.

Lead teacher vs infant and toddler teacher salary

Lead teachers and infant and toddler teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Lead TeacherInfant And Toddler Teacher
Average salary$33,652$29,606
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $50,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASeattle, WA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaVermont
Best paying companySuccess Preparatory AcademyUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between lead teacher and infant and toddler teacher education

There are a few differences between a lead teacher and an infant and toddler teacher in terms of educational background:

Lead TeacherInfant And Toddler Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 39%
Most common majorEarly Childhood EducationEarly Childhood Education
Most common collegeSan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University

Lead teacher vs infant and toddler teacher demographics

Here are the differences between lead teachers' and infant and toddler teachers' demographics:

Lead TeacherInfant And Toddler Teacher
Average age4340
Gender ratioMale, 10.2% Female, 89.8%Male, 4.7% Female, 95.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 3.5% White, 72.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage12%5%

Differences between lead teacher and infant and toddler teacher duties and responsibilities

Lead teacher example responsibilities.

  • Plan and implement theme and project-base lessons that incorporate math, literacy, science, physical development, and social/emotional skills.
  • Cultivate and foster safe and effective learning environment conducive for Pre-K students.
  • Model positive behavior management techniques through daily contact with children and early childhood staff in the classroom.
  • Develop lesson plans on a bi-weekly basis that comply with early childhood standards and relate to the weekly theme.
  • Require CPR certification and ongoing continuing education.
  • Develop programs that introduce math and literacy concepts.
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Infant and toddler teacher example responsibilities.

  • Lead team meetings with therapists and clinicians pertaining to quarterlies, annual reports, IEP goals, and parent teacher conferences.
  • Plan and develop curriculum, manage mathematics department.
  • Receive current CPR training as well.
  • Develop and implement individual student's IEP in conjunction with a mental health worker, classroom aide, and clinical team.
  • Complete ongoing documentation for NAEYC accreditation.
  • Develop and publish developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants/toddlers, in accordance with NAEYC guidelines.
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Lead teacher vs infant and toddler teacher skills

Common lead teacher skills
  • CPR, 19%
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Child Care, 17%
  • Child Development, 15%
  • Classroom Management, 11%
  • Pre-K, 3%
Common infant and toddler teacher skills
  • CPR, 23%
  • Child Care, 20%
  • Child Development, 14%
  • Professional Development, 7%
  • Classroom Environment, 6%
  • Classroom Management, 4%

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