Early Education Teacher Associate-Preschool-Pre-K Program

Heartworksvt; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition discount 75%

Pet insurance

Telehealth access

401(k) with employer contribution

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Babilou Family US, including Heartworks schools in Vermont, seeks a Teacher Associate to build a safe, nurturing learning space and implement high‑quality curricula that foster curiosity, confidence, and responsibility.

You will support teachers, model sustainable teaching practices, and strengthen family engagement, while upholding safety and developmentally appropriate standards across learning environments.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Commitment to sustainable education practices and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to design developmentally appropriate lessons and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe, nurturing classroom culture and sustainable learning environment.
• Design and implement curriculum aligned with developmentally appropriate practice.
• Lead classroom routines and mentor Assistant Teachers in instructional practices.
• Strengthen family communication and community involvement.
• Maintain rigorous safety and documentation standards.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Sustainability practices

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education

Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program Certificate

Job description

Teacher Associate

Are You Ready to Make an Immediate Impact? Babilou Family US has a local, community‑focused approach to early childhood education through our Little Sprouts, Building Blocks, and Heartworks schools. We seek a proactive and collaborative team member who will support our mission and contribute meaningfully to the role.

Role Overview

As a Teacher Associate, you will lead the creation of a safe, nurturing, and sustainable learning environment where children develop curiosity, confidence, and responsibility. You will design and implement high‑quality curriculum, guide the teaching team, and model sustainable education practices that support children’s learning and long‑term well‑being. This role is ideal for an educator committed to developmentally appropriate practice, environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships with children, families, and colleagues.

Our Educational Approach

We are guided by our Sustainable Education® framework, rooted in research about how young minds grow, learn, connect, and build lifelong skills. Our HONOR values—Humility, Open‑Mindedness, Nurture, Ownership, and Recognition—create an environment where educators, families, and partners feel valued and empowered.

Key Responsibilities

• Craft a classroom culture grounded in respect, exploration, and sustainable learning practices.
• Integrate meaningful curriculum experiences that connect children to the natural world and promote responsible decision‑making.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and eco‑minded learning environment.
• Strengthen family communication and community involvement.
• Support ongoing educator growth through continuous reflection, training, and collaboration.

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.

Key Performance Indicators

• 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 a 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.

Child Safety 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.

Family Engagement KPIs

• Respond to family inquiries within 24 hours.
• 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.

Professional Development 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.
• Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program Certificate, or
• CCV Child Care Certificate plus 12 months experience.
• 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 Qualifications

• 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

• 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 % 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 lbs, 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.
• Work 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.
• 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 (health, dental, vision) effective from the start date.
• Pet insurance and other benefit selections 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 performance, certificate updates, and degree completion.
• Opportunities for career advancement, ongoing coaching, and a dedicated Child Conference.
• Employee referral program.