Childcare Teacher Associate

Heartworks Early Education•Essex, VT

9d•$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. The role involves designing and implementing high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum; guiding the teaching team; and modeling sustainable education practices that support children's learning and well-being. The educator partners with children, families, and colleagues to promote curiosity, confidence, responsibility, and lifelong learning, guided by the company's Sustainable Education® approach and HONOR values: 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 position combines classroom and administrative work in an active setting, with regular interaction with children, families, and colleagues and movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces. Employees must complete a background check 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 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.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, up to 75 percent of the workday; transition among sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting; and safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds.
Ability to sit on the floor and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision; supervise children in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, entryways, and common areas; and respond safely and promptly to emergencies.
Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Nice To Haves

Additional certifications or degrees may support performance-based pay increases.
Interest in sustainability-focused professional learning and environmentally responsible classroom practices.

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 support 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, using these 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 improve 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 and contribute to continuous reflection, training, and collaboration.

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