Early Education Director

Heartworks Early Education • Essex Junction, VT

11d • Onsite

About The Position

At Heartworks Early Education, we deeply value educators and are dedicated to creating meaningful change. We recognize your hard work and strive to offer benefits that reflect how much you are appreciated. We offer a generous holiday package that includes a paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s and extended time off around the 4th of July in your first year. Combined with professional development opportunities and a true work-life balance, we aim to help you build a fulfilling career that aligns with your personal and professional goals. As the Executive Director of our Pinecrest Drive location, you will be at the helm of the school’s financial, operational, educational, and cultural success. Your primary goal will be to create a thriving, healthy learning environment for our children and staff. Through strong communication skills—both written and verbal—you will inspire teamwork, leadership, and transparency across the school and within our broader network. This position qualifies for an annual bonus plan based on qualitative and quantitative metrics. At Heartworks, our mission is driven by four key pillars: People First – Prioritizing the growth and experience of our team. Pedagogy for Tomorrow – Fostering innovative, child-focused teaching approaches. Planet at the Core – Promoting sustainability and nature-based learning. Positive Growth – Supporting children, families, and educators in every step forward.

Requirements

• Must pass required state and company background checks.
• Comply with all VT Public Health and Child Care Regulations.
• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Human Development, or a related field, or 30 college credits with an Early Childhood or School Age focus.
• Program Director Step 2 certificate or willingness to take classes towards that level; Vermont Early Educator License is preferred.
• 3-10 years of experience in early childhood education or classroom management.
• Strong understanding of play-based learning and social-emotional development.
• Ensure classroom environments meet NAEYC’s Anti-Bias Early Education standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to kindness, respect, and community engagement.
• Ability to stand, move, run, and play for most of the day.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds multiple times a day.

Nice To Haves

• Program Director Step 2 certificate or willingness to take classes towards that level; Vermont Early Educator License is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Managing the school's operations
• Managing educational programs
• Managing overall culture
• Overseeing educational and operational tasks
• Managing the center's financial performance

Benefits

• Up to 75% discount on your child's tuition, including tax-friendly tuition reduction options.
• Generous time off, in addition to a paid seasonal break from Christmas Eve through New Years Day, extended time around the 4th of July, and federal holiday closures.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including health, dental, & vision all effective from hire date.
• Additional benefit selections, including pet insurance.
• Free immediate subscription to First Stop Health for 24/7 access to virtual doctors.
• 401(k) plan with company match (eligibility starts after 60 days of employment).
• Pay increase opportunities related to job performance, update in certification credentials, and degree completion.
• Opportunities for career advancement and ongoing coaching, including a dedicated Child Conference.
• Employee referral program available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director