Lead Teacher-Early Educator

Heartworksvt; Shelburne (VT); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted tuition for your child

Comprehensive health benefits

First Stop Health access

401(k) plan

Pay increases & career advancement

Employee referral program

Job summary

Babilou Family US is seeking a proactive Teacher Associate to lead safe, nurturing learning environments and design high-quality curriculum aligned with Sustainable Education®. You will guide the teaching team, model eco-friendly practices, and strengthen partnerships with children, families, and colleagues.

The role emphasizes developmentally appropriate instruction, environmental stewardship, and ongoing teacher growth through collaboration and reflection.

Qualifications

• Must meet Vermont child care requirements and state licensing.
• Commitment to sustainable education practices and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to lead classroom operations and mentor support staff.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement daily lesson plans aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and Sustainable Education principles.
• Lead classroom organization and routines promoting environmental responsibility.
• Supervise children with emphasis on safety and holistic development.
• Engage families through conferences, events, and ongoing communication.
• Provide coaching and support to Assistant Teachers.

Skills

Strong communication

Collaboration

Organizational skills

Mentoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 3

Associate degree in Early Childhood or related field

Certified/Registered teaching credential (as required)

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 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 wellbeing. This role is ideal for an educator committed to developmentally appropriate practice, environmental stewardship, and strong partnerships with children, families, and colleagues.

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’re in what we like to call the science of children. Everything we do is rooted in research about how young minds grow— how they learn, connect, and build the skills that last a lifetime. 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.

• 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.

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 percent adherence to child safety protocols


• Document observations for 100 percent 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 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.

KPIs

• Complete 100 percent of annual training requirements


• Participate in at least one professional development activity per quarter


• Demonstrate consistent collaboration and support for classroom team members

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent;


• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level 3, or


• Associate degreein 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 Certificateplus 12 months experience, or


• 21+ early childhood/school‑age college creditsplus 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

• 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 percent 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 pounds, 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.

• Up to 75% discount on your child's tuition, including tax-friendly tuition reduction options.


• Comprehensive health benefits package, including health, dental, &visionall effective from start date.Additionalbenefit 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).


• Payincreaseopportunities 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.

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