Childcare Teacher Associate

Heartworks Early Education•Essex Junction, VT

10d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a Teacher Associate to create a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment where children develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The role designs and implements high-quality curriculum, guides the teaching team, and models sustainable education practices in support of children's learning and long-term wellbeing. The position emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice, environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships with children, families, colleagues, and the community. The work is guided by Sustainable Education®, which applies research on children's learning and development to daily practice, and by the HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Teacher Associate leads classroom routines and curriculum, supervises and supports children's development, communicates and partners with families, maintains required certifications, collaborates with colleagues, and coaches Assistant Teachers. Employees must complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

Be at least 20 years of age.
Be a high school graduate or have completed a GED.
Meet at least one of the following qualifications: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three Certificate; an associate degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services, plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; a Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; a Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; or successful completion of 21 college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger.
Complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Meet the physical requirements, including standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday, changing positions to engage with children, and safely lifting, carrying, and moving items up to 30 pounds.
Be able to participate in child-level and age-appropriate activities, supervise children in indoor and outdoor spaces, and respond safely and quickly in emergencies.
Follow and model safety procedures.

Responsibilities

Design and implement daily lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and sustainable education principles.
Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
Model best practices for the teaching team and ensure high-quality instructional delivery.
Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration.
Serve as a mandated reporter under state law, recognizing, documenting, and immediately reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
Support each child's developmental needs and use observation and documentation to guide instruction and promote holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional, sustainability-minded communication.
Lead or participate in conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Help create a classroom culture based on respect, exploration, sustainable learning, and continuous reflection.

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 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.
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 additional lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.