Early Education Teacher Associate-Pre-K Program

Heartworks Early Education; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 75% discount on tuition

Comprehensive health benefits

401(k) plan with employer contribution opportunities

Job summary

Heartworks Early Education is seeking a proactive Teacher Associate to design lesson plans and foster child development in Burlington, Vermont. The role emphasizes sustainability and strong family engagement, ensuring children experience a nurturing and environmentally responsible educational environment.

Applicants should have a strong commitment to effective communication, organizational skills, and relevant certifications or degrees. Heartworks offers comprehensive benefits including tuition discounts, health packages, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong commitment to sustainable education practices.
• Experience teaching young children in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement daily lesson plans aligned with educational practices.
• Supervise children during learning activities and ensure safety protocols.
• Build strong relationships with families to enhance engagement.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Collaboration skills

Organizational skills

Knowledge of child development

Curriculum design

Classroom safety standards

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 3

Associate degree in Early Childhood or related field

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.

What We Will Achieve Together

• We will craft a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices.
• We will integrate meaningful curriculum experiences that connect children to the natural world and promote responsible decision‑making.
• We will maintain an organized, safe, and eco‑minded learning environment.
• We will strengthen family communication and community involvement.
• We will support ongoing educator growth and classroom quality through continuous reflection, training, and collaboration.

What You’ll Do

Classroom Leadership and Sustainable Education

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.

Model best practices for the teaching team and ensure high‑quality instructional delivery.

KPIs

• Deliver consistently high‑quality lessons aligned with curriculum and sustainability goals.
• Maintain zero major safety incidents annually.
• Achieve strong classroom observation results and quality ratings.

Child Supervision and Development

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.

KPIs

• Ensure 100 % adherence to child safety protocols.
• Document observations for 100 % of assigned children each month.

Family Engagement

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.

KPIs

• Respond to family inquiries within 24 h.
• Participate in at least two family‑engagement events per year.
• Maintain strong family satisfaction feedback.

Professional Development and Team Collaboration

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.

KPIs

• Complete 100 % of annual training requirements.
• Participate in at least one professional development activity per quarter.
• Demonstrate consistent collaboration and support for classroom team members.

Required & Preferred Qualifications for a Teacher Associate

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 3, or
• Associate degree in Early Childhood, Child/Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child & Family Services plus 12 months experience, or
• Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program Certificate, or
• CCV Child Care Certificate plus 12 months experience, or
• 21+ early childhood/school‑age college credits plus 12 months experience.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to sustainable education practices and environmental stewardship.
• Active teaching certification as required by state licensing.
• Experience teaching young children in a childcare or educational setting.
• Knowledge of child development, curriculum design, and classroom safety standards.
• Ability to lead classroom operations and mentor support staff.

Preferred

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
• Experience integrating sustainability, nature‑based learning, or eco‑conscious practices into classroom settings.
• Specialized training in early learning curriculum, child assessment, or instructional leadership.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

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

• The Teacher Associate role requires active involvement in both administrative and classroom environments. To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the following physical abilities are required:
• Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75 % 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 lbs, 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.

All employees must complete a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.

We Offer

• Up to 75 % discount on your child’s tuition, including tax‑friendly tuition reduction options.
• Comprehensive health benefits package, including health, dental, and vision all 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).
• Pay increase opportunities 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.

Babilou Family US is part of a global network of 1,100 early education and child care centers. We provide quality early education and child care across 42 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 Babilou Family US 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.