Childcare Teacher Associate

Heartworks Early Education•Shelburne, VT

8d•$21 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive, collaborative Teacher Associate to create a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment where children develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The role involves designing and implementing high-quality curriculum, guiding the teaching team, and modeling sustainable education practices that support children’s learning and long-term wellbeing. The position emphasizes developmentally appropriate practice, environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships with children, families, and colleagues. The organization’s Sustainable Education® approach applies research about children’s development to daily practice. Its HONOR values—Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition—guide an environment where educators, children, families, and partners feel valued and empowered. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Teacher Associate leads classroom planning and routines, supervises and supports children’s development, builds family relationships, and collaborates with and coaches colleagues. Employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Requirements

At least 20 years of age.
High school graduate or GED completion.
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; Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; 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 prolonged periods, transitioning among positions, lifting and carrying items up to 30 pounds, engaging with children at floor level, and responding safely in emergencies.

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 in accordance with 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 respectful classroom culture, connect children to the natural world, maintain a safe and organized learning environment, and support continuous reflection and classroom quality.

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 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 personal needs.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance.
Additional lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.