Childcare Teacher Associate

Heartworks Early Education•Shelburne, VT

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Teacher Associate to lead a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment where children develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The role designs and implements high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum; guides the teaching team; and models sustainable education practices that support children’s learning and wellbeing. The position emphasizes environmental stewardship, strong partnerships with children and families, and the company’s Sustainable Education® approach, which connects research about child development to daily practice. Babilou Family US’s HONOR values are 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 Teacher Associate leads classroom routines and instruction, supervises and supports children’s development, builds family and community relationships, and collaborates with and coaches colleagues. The role is in an active classroom setting with regular interaction with children, families, and team members and movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces. A background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care must be completed.

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: hold a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three Certificate; hold an associate degree from an accredited college in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services and have at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; have a Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; hold a Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont and have at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; or have successfully completed 21 college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus and have 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 move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75% of the workday.
Be able to transition among 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, engage with children at their eye level, participate in age-appropriate activities, and supervise outdoor play.
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 playgrounds, classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Be able to respond quickly and safely in emergencies, including evacuations and drills, and 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.
Act as a mandated reporter, recognizing, documenting, and immediately reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in accordance with state law.
Support each child’s developmental needs, using observation and documentation to guide instruction and promote holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional 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.
Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment.

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 resources for mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other needs.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.