Early Education Teacher Assistant-School Support

Heartworksvt; Shelburne (VT); On-site; USD 19,286 - 24,796; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount up to 75%

Health benefits

First Stop Health subscription

401(k) plan

Career advancement coaching

Employee referral program

Job summary

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive Teacher Assistant to support the Teacher Associate in delivering safe, nurturing, developmentally appropriate learning experiences. You will help implement lesson plans, maintain an organized, eco-minded classroom, and foster respectful relationships with children and families.

This role emphasizes teamwork, sustainability in daily routines, and alignment with our Sustainable Education approach and HONOR values.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or 2 preferred or equivalent.
• CDA plus 12 months experience or relevant certificate with 12 months experience.
• State Board–approved Human Services Program Certificate +12 months experience.
• Vermont Afterschool Essentials or Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals +12 months experience.
• 3-credit college course in child/human development or school-age education +12 months experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Teacher Associate in implementing daily lesson plans and activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, eco‑minded classroom per sustainable routines.
• Supervise children during activities, meals, and outdoor experiences.
• Foster family partnerships and clear communication with families.
• Attend required trainings and collaborate on sustainability initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Child development knowledge

Ability to follow lesson plans

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or 2

CDA + 12 months experience

State Board–approved Human Services Program Certificate + 12 months experience

Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate + 12 months experience

3-credit college course in child/human development or school-age education + 12 months experience

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Are You Ready to Make an Immediate Impact?

Babilou Family US is part of the global Babilou Family network and brings a local, community-focused approach to early childhood education through our Little Sprouts, Building Blocks, and Heartworks schools. We are looking for a proactive and collaborative team member who will support our mission and contribute meaningfully to this role.

As a Teacher Assistant, you will contribute to a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment where children can grow, explore, and thrive. You will support the Teacher Associate in implementing meaningful learning experiences, maintaining an organized and eco‑minded classroom, and fostering respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues. This role is ideal for someone excited about early learning, teamwork, and incorporating sustainable education practices into daily routines.

Our work is guided by our educational approach, Sustainable Education, which bridges research and daily practice to help children thrive and lay the foundation for lifelong learning. We also lead our HONOR values: Humility, Open‑Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition. This guiding framework fosters an environment where educators, children, families, and partners feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow.

Key Focus Areas

• Cultivate a classroom community that emphasizes curiosity, responsibility, and care for one another and the world.
• Integrate sustainable education principles into daily practices such as resource conservation, awareness of the natural environment, and mindful consumption.
• Maintain safe, well‑organized, and developmentally supportive learning spaces. Strengthen communication, collaboration, and family partnerships.
• Promote continuous professional learning grounded in sustainability and high‑quality early education.

Classroom Support

• Assist the Teacher Associate in implementing daily lesson plans and learning experiences that support whole‑child development and introduce age‑appropriate sustainability concepts.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and environmentally responsible classroom environment by following sustainable routines related to materials, storage, and resource use.

Child Supervision and Development

• Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor experiences that encourage exploration and connection with nature.
• 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 individual developmental needs and nurture children’s understanding of caring for themselves, others, and the environment.

Family Interaction

• Greet families warmly and assist with sustainable communication practices such as digital updates, purposeful resource use, and consistent messaging directed by the Teacher Associate.
• Participate in family engagement events that may include sustainability‑themed activities or community learning opportunities.

Professional Development

• Attend all required training sessions and maintain certifications related to early childhood education, safety, and sustainable practices.
• Collaborate with the teaching team to enhance classroom systems, curriculum, and sustainability initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Complete assigned classroom tasks daily.
• Maintain zero major safety incidents annually.
• Achieve positive feedback from the certified teacher and classroom observations.
• Ensure 100 percent adherence to child safety protocols.
• Document observations for at least 90 percent of assigned children each month.
• Respond to delegated parent inquiries within 24 hours.
• Participate in at least two family engagement events per year.
• Complete 100 percent of annual training requirements.
• Participate in at least one professional development activity per quarter.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must meet one of the following:
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 1 or 2.
• CDA plus 12 months experience.
• State Board–approved Human Services Program Certificate plus 12 months experience.
• Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate plus 12 months experience.
• 3‑credit college course in child/human development or school‑age education plus 12 months experience.
• Experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting.
• Knowledge of child development and classroom safety standards.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow lesson plans and support the Certified Teacher effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
• Experience or interest in sustainability, environmental education, or eco‑conscious classroom practices.

Work Environment

• Active classroom environment with regular interaction with children, families, and team members.
• Movement between indoor and outdoor learning spaces throughout the day.
• Collaborative setting with consistent communication and teamwork.

Physical Requirements

• Move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday.
• Transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day to engage with children and support staff.
• Safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds, including classroom materials, supplies, and occasional assistance with children’s belongings.
• 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.
• Supervise children on playgrounds, in classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
• Respond quickly and safely in emergency situations, including evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.
• Follow and model all safety procedures.
• All employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Benefits

• Up to 75% discount on your child’s tuition, including tax‑friendly tuition reduction options.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including health, dental, and vision effective from start date. Additional benefit selections, including pet insurance, are also available.
• Free subscription to First Stop Health for 24/7 access to virtual doctors.
• 401(k) plan with eligibility for a discretionary employer contribution each year (must be 21+ to enroll; eligibility to contribute starts after 60 days of employment).
• Opportunities for pay increases related to job performance, updates in certification credentials, and degree completion.
• Opportunities for career advancement and ongoing coaching, including a dedicated Child Conference.
• Employee referral program available.