Lead Teacher

Heartworks Early Education•Williston, VT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Babilou Family US is seeking a Lead Teacher to lead and model a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment across a suite of classrooms. The Lead Teacher designs and supports high-quality curriculum, guides the teaching team, and models sustainable education practices that promote children’s learning and long-term wellbeing. The role is suited to an educator committed to personal growth in school leadership. The organization’s Sustainable Education® approach connects research with daily practice, and its HONOR values are Humility, Open-Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. The Lead Teacher leads classroom routines and instructional quality, supports staff development, and may assist with hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback. In the absence of the School Director and Assistant Director, the Lead Teacher acts as a management representative and supports leadership of the overall school program. The role also includes supervising children, documenting and supporting their development, reporting suspected abuse or neglect as a mandated reporter, and partnering with families and community members. The school operates year-round, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position is based in an active classroom environment, with movement between indoor and outdoor spaces and regular interaction with children, families, and staff. Physical duties include standing and walking for up to 75% of the workday, changing positions, lifting items up to 30 pounds, participating in age-appropriate activities, and responding to emergencies. Employees must complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care. Babilou Family US is part of a global network of 1,100 early education and child care centers, with 42 New England schools and nearly 900 early education professionals. The company states that it is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse workforce and fostering equity and inclusion.

Requirements

At least 20 years of age.
High school graduate or GED holder.
Meet at least one of these qualification pathways: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Four (4) A or B Certificate; a qualifying bachelor’s degree plus at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three or younger; a bachelor’s degree with at least 30 college credits focused on early childhood or school age plus at least 12 months of such experience; or a current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license endorsed in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education.
Complete a background check required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, including up to 75% of the workday.
Ability to transition among sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting.
Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 30 pounds.
Ability to sit on the floor and participate in age-appropriate activities, including light running and outdoor play supervision.
Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and movement between indoor and outdoor areas.
Ability to supervise children in classrooms, playgrounds, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
Ability to respond quickly and safely to emergencies 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 encourage environmental responsibility, mindful use of materials, and stewardship.
Help supervise and direct school staff, including contributing to hiring, training, coaching, and performance feedback.
Represent management and support leadership of the overall school program when the School Director and Assistant Director are absent.
Model teaching best practices and support high-quality instructional delivery.
Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration.
Recognize, document, and immediately report suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment in accordance with state law.
Observe and document children’s development to guide instruction and support their holistic growth.
Build trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional communication.
Lead or participate in family conferences, events, and community learning opportunities.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
Collaborate with colleagues on classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and school sustainability initiatives.
Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instruction and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Maintain a safe, organized, and eco-minded learning environment and mentor staff in safety practices.
Support opening and closing responsibilities as needed and respond safely to emergencies, evacuations, and drills.

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 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.
Paid time off and holiday benefits, including an annual Winter Break closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
Employee Assistance Program with confidential mental health, financial wellness, work-life balance, and other personal support resources.
Employee referral bonus program.
Tuition and professional development reimbursement.
Pet insurance and other lifestyle and fringe benefit programs.