Childcare Teacher Associate

Heartworks Early Education•Essex, VT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is hiring 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 that support children’s learning and wellbeing. The position applies developmentally appropriate practice and environmental stewardship while building strong partnerships with children, families, and colleagues. The school’s approach, Sustainable Education®, connects research with daily practice, and the organization is guided by its HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The location operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The work takes place in an active classroom, with movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces and regular interaction with children, families, and team members. The role includes physical activity throughout the day, including standing and walking for up to 75% of the workday, and lifting items up to 30 pounds. Employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

Be at least 20 years of age and be a high school graduate or have completed a GED.
Meet at least one of the following Vermont 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.
Be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods, including up to 75% of the workday.
Be able to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day.
Be able to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
Be able to sit on the floor 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.
Be able to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations.

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 through observation and documentation that guide instruction and holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional, and 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.
Follow and model safety procedures and respond safely to emergencies, evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.

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 (EAP).
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.