Child Care Assistant Teacher

Heartworks Early Education • Essex, VT

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support a Certified Teacher and help create a safe, nurturing, organized, and sustainable learning environment. The role supports meaningful learning experiences and whole-child development, introduces age-appropriate sustainability concepts, and helps children develop curiosity, responsibility, and care for themselves, others, and the environment. The position involves supervising children throughout classroom activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor experiences; maintaining respectful relationships and communication with families and colleagues; and contributing to classroom systems, curriculum, and sustainability initiatives. The educational approach, Sustainable Education®, connects research with daily practice, and the organization’s HONOR values are Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have completed a GED.
• Must meet at least one of the following qualification pathways: a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One or Two Certificate; a 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.
• Must 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 among sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting; sit on the floor and engage with children at their eye level; and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Ability to supervise children in playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas, and to respond quickly and safely to 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.
• 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.
• Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment as a Mandated Reporter under state law.
• Support children’s individual developmental needs and nurture their understanding of caring for themselves, others, and the environment.
• Greet families and assist with sustainable communication practices, including digital updates, purposeful resource use, and consistent messaging directed by the Certified Teacher.
• 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 enhance classroom systems, curriculum, and sustainability initiatives.
• Follow and model safety procedures and respond safely to emergencies, evacuations, and drills.

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 offering confidential mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal 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