Daycare - Lead Preschool Teacher

Heartworks Early Education; South Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate EEC Qualified Teachers to join their South Burlington team. This role emphasizes a child-centered approach, fostering a nurturing environment where educators can inspire young minds. With generous benefits including paid time off, professional development opportunities, and a supportive community, this position promises a fulfilling career in early education. Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to creating optimal learning spaces and making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.

Benefits

Up to 75% discount on child’s tuition

Generous time off including seasonal breaks

Comprehensive health benefits package

Pet insurance

Free subscription to virtual doctors

401(k) plan with company match

Pay increase opportunities

Opportunities for career advancement

Employee referral program

Qualifications

• Comply with VT Public Health and Child Care Regulations.
• Pass the state-required background check.
• Ensure classroom environments meet NAEYC standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage classroom needs to support children’s well-being.
• Nurture a love of learning through child-centered activities.
• Maintain communication with families for collaborative growth.

Skills

Communication Skills

Flexibility

Child-Centered Approach

Teamwork

Education

Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or 2 Certificate

Current CDA (Child Development Associate)

State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate

Job description

At Heartworks Early Education, we value educators and are committed to meaningful change. We offer generous benefits, including a paid week off between Christmas and New Year’s, extended time off around the 4th of July, professional development, and true work-life balance—all to support a fulfilling, goal-aligned career.

Being a veteran educator in Early Education and Care means bringing confidence and insight to the classroom while remaining open to growth. The field is ever-evolving, with new research, regulations, and practices that require flexibility, strong communication, and a willingness to adapt. Your experience provides a steady foundation, but continued learning is essential—as is modeling that mindset for others. Whether you're mentoring colleagues or supporting young children through daily routines, your consistency, openness, and curiosity help create a thriving environment where everyone can grow.

We are seeking passionate EEC Qualified Teachers to join our South Burlington team, led by a School Director with several years of experience in EEC. Our thriving community is built on shared values of teamwork, passion, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Salary Range: $20.00 to $24.00 per hour for EEC Qualified Candidates plus a $2,000 Sign-On Bonus.

We Offer:

• 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.

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.

Your daily responsibilities will include managing classroom needs to support children’s well-being, nurturing a love of learning through a child-centered approach with social-emotional, STEAM, and nature-based activities. As an educator, maintaining regular communication with families is essential to fostering collaborative growth.

Qualifications:

• Comply with all VT Public Health and Child Care Regulations.
• Meet at least one of the following qualifications:
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or 2 Certificate;
• Current CDA (Child Development Associate) plus 12 months of experience with children in grade three or younger;
• State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate focusing on child development or early childhood education, plus 12 months of experience with children in grade three or younger;
• Completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate, plus 12 months of experience with children in grade three or younger;
• Completion of a 3-credit college course in child or human development or school-age care and education, plus 12 months of experience with children in grade three or younger.
• Pass the state-required background check.
• Serve as a mandated reporter, on and off campus.
• Ensure classroom environments meet NAEYC’s Anti-Bias Early Education standards.
• Ability to stand, move, run, and play throughout the day.
• Lift up to 30 pounds multiple times daily.

$20 - $24 an hour

Salary Range: $20.00 to $24.00 per hour for EEC Qualified Candidates.

$2,000 Sign-On Bonus will be paid out:

• 50% upon the first pay period following your 180th day of employment ($1,000).
• 50% upon the first pay period following your 270th day of consecutive employment ($1,000).

The compensation range represents Heartworks' intention for this position. Actual offers may vary based on experience, education, and other business factors.

Keywords: child care, daycare, preschool teacher, childcare, teacher, early childhood education, education

#INDHW

We’re Growing! Heartworks Early Education is a subsidiary of Babilou Family, a global network of 1,100 early education and child care centers. Heartworks provides award-winning early education and child care across 39 New England schools. Through the experience and talents of nearly 900 early education professionals and in partnership with nearly 4,000 families, we are on a meaningful journey to create optimal learning spaces where children ages 0-5 can learn, grow, and thrive.

Our teams, whether at our home office or inside our schools, are change makers – they inspire, create, model, and most importantly make this a great place to work. At Heartworks we are consistently recruiting, retaining, and promoting a diverse mix of colleagues who are representative of the diversity within the communities in which we operate. Our focus on equity and inclusion allows us to develop a broader scope of ideas and approaches, offering a collaborative and dynamic educational experience for the youngest members of society.

#LI-Onsite