Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education • Essex Junction, VT

24d • $23 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US, part of the global Babilou Family network, is seeking a proactive and collaborative Lead Teacher for its early childhood education centers. This role focuses on creating a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment that fosters children's curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. The Lead Teacher will lead and role-model curriculum implementation, guide the teaching team, and promote sustainable education practices aligned with the company's research-based approach, Sustainable Education®. The position emphasizes personal growth in school leadership and adherence to HONOR values: Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The center operates year-round, Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM.

Requirements

• At least twenty (20) years of age
• High school graduate or has completed a GED
• At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; or
• At least a bachelor degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, Special Education with a birth to eight (8) years of age focus, or Child and Family Services and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• At least a bachelor degree from an accredited college with at least successful completion of thirty (30) college credits with an early childhood or school age focus and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• Hold at least a current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with an endorsement in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education.
• Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday.
• Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day to engage with children and support staff.
• Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds, including classroom materials, supplies, and occasional assistance with children’s belongings.
• Ability to sit on the floor, engage at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities including light running, outdoor play supervision, and interactive learning experiences.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and regular movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Ability to supervise children on playgrounds, in classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
• Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations, including evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.
• Ability to follow and model all safety procedures.
• Must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Nice To Haves

• Commitment to personal growth in school leadership.

Responsibilities

• Craft a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices, modeling positive interactions and guiding the teaching team in upholding these values.
• Integrate meaningful curriculum experiences that connect children to the natural world and promote responsible decision-making, ensuring lessons are developmentally appropriate and engaging.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and eco-minded learning environment, overseeing classroom systems, routines, and safety practices while mentoring staff in effective implementation.
• Strengthen family communication and community involvement by building strong, consistent partnerships with families and encouraging team participation in community-focused initiatives.
• Support ongoing educator growth and classroom quality through continuous reflection, training, coaching, and collaboration with teaching staff.
• 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.
• Assist with the supervision and direction of school staff, contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Act as a management representative in the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director, supporting the leadership of the overall school program.
• Model best practices for the teaching team and ensure high-quality instructional delivery.
• Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration that fosters connection to nature and hands-on learning.
• Serve as a Mandated Reporter in accordance with state law, maintaining full responsibility to recognize, document, and immediately report any suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
• Support each child’s developmental needs, using observation and documentation to guide instruction and promote holistic growth.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional, and sustainability-minded communication practices.
• Lead or participate in conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities that strengthen family involvement.
• Maintain all required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
• Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and the school’s sustainability initiatives.
• Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.

Benefits

• Up to 50% childcare tuition discount
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, effective on your first day of employment
• Free First Stop Health membership, providing 24/7 access to 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/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 our dedicated 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), offering confidential resources and support for mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal needs
• Employee referral bonus program
• Tuition and professional development reimbursement
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

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