Child Care Assistant Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•Williston, VT

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher supports the Certified Teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, organized, and sustainable learning environment where children can grow and thrive. The role helps implement meaningful learning experiences, supports children’s whole-child development, and builds respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. The position applies Sustainable Education® principles in daily classroom routines, including resource conservation, awareness of the natural environment, and mindful consumption. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Assistant Teacher supports classroom activities, child supervision and development, family communication, and professional learning. The role includes serving as a mandated reporter under state law, with responsibility to recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment. Employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Meet at least one of the following qualification pathways: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One or Two Certificate; current CDA plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; a State Board of Education-approved Human Services Program Certificate emphasizing child development or early childhood education plus at least 12 months of such experience; successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate plus at least 12 months of such experience; or successful completion of a three-credit college course in child or human development or school-age care and education plus at least 12 months of such experience.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods, up to 75 percent of the workday, and move between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting.
Be able to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
Be able to sit on the floor, engage at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
Be comfortable working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Be able to supervise children in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, entryways, and common areas, and respond safely to emergencies.

Responsibilities

Assist the Certified Teacher with daily lesson plans and learning experiences that support whole-child development and introduce age-appropriate sustainability concepts.
Maintain a clean, organized, and environmentally responsible classroom, following sustainable routines for materials, storage, and resource use.
Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor experiences.
Serve as a mandated reporter and recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in accordance with state law.
Support individual developmental needs and help children learn to care for themselves, others, and the environment.
Greet families and assist with sustainable communication practices, including digital updates and consistent messaging directed by the Certified Teacher.
Participate in family engagement events, including sustainability-themed activities or community learning opportunities.
Attend required training and maintain certifications related to early childhood education, safety, and sustainable practices.
Collaborate with the teaching team to improve classroom systems, curriculum, and sustainability initiatives.
Follow and model safety procedures and respond appropriately to emergencies.

Benefits

Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
Free First Stop Health membership with 24/7 access to virtual primary care, urgent care, and short-term mental health support.
401(k) retirement plan with an annual discretionary employer match contribution.
Optional life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
Performance-based pay, including increases tied to certification and/or degree completion.
Career growth and professional development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and the CHILD Conference.
Generous paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal support resources.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.