Child Care Assistant Teacher

Heartworks Early Education • Essex Junction, VT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment in one of its early childhood schools. The Assistant Teacher supports the Certified Teacher in delivering meaningful learning experiences, maintaining an organized and environmentally responsible classroom, and building respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. The role incorporates Sustainable Education® principles into daily routines and is guided by research about child development and the company’s HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition.

The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Assistant Teacher works in an active, collaborative classroom, moving between indoor and outdoor learning spaces and interacting regularly with children, families, and team members. The position requires completing a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school graduate or GED recipient.
• Meet at least one of the following qualification pathways: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One or Two Certificate; current CDA and 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 and at least 12 months of such experience; successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate and 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 and at least 12 months of such experience.
• Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
• Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75% of the workday.
• Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting; lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds; sit on the floor and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Ability to supervise children in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, entryways, and common areas, and to respond quickly and safely in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Certified Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and learning experiences that support whole-child development and introduce age-appropriate sustainability concepts.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and environmentally responsible classroom by following sustainable routines for materials, storage, and resource use.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor experiences.
• Serve as a mandated reporter under state law, recognizing, documenting, and immediately reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
• Support individual developmental needs and nurture children’s understanding of caring for themselves, others, and the environment.
• Greet families and assist with communication practices directed by the Certified Teacher, including digital updates, purposeful resource use, and consistent messaging.
• Participate in family engagement events, which may include 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, drills, and urgent classroom needs.

Benefits

• Up to 50% childcare tuition discount.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance effective on the first day of employment.
• Free First Stop Health membership with 24/7 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.
• 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.
• Additional lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED