Preschool Teacher

Reach For The Stars LLC; Essex Junction (VT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Paid time off

Training & development

Tuition assistance

Vision insurance

Wellness resources

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Reach For The Stars LLC in Essex Junction, Vermont, is looking for a committed individual to join our team as a Teacher Associate. This role focuses on creating a nurturing and engaging environment for children, fostering their social, emotional, and developmental growth. Ideal candidates will have experience in early childhood education or a desire to learn. We value a supportive and family-like atmosphere that celebrates every child’s success and provides opportunities for professional development and personal growth.

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education or a strong desire to learn.
• Ability to communicate with warmth and clarity.
• Enthusiasm, patience, and creativity in the classroom.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming environment for children.
• Design engaging, play-based learning experiences.
• Observe children to guide curriculum planning.
• Adapt activities based on children's interests.
• Support each child's social and emotional growth.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Tuition assistance
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

About the Role

This is a meaningful opportunity to help children build a strong foundation as children prepare for Kindergarten and beyond. You’ll help create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children feel confident to explore and learn. Our program follows an emergent, play-based curriculum—because we believe children learn best when their natural curiosity leads the way.

What Makes Our Program Special

• A supportive, family‑like team that celebrates each other’s successes
• A child‑centered philosophy that honors play, discovery, and social‑emotional learning
• A leadership team that listens, encourages growth, and respects work–life balance
• A warm, inclusive environment where teachers feel appreciated and empowered

What You’ll Do

• Create a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe and valued
• Design engaging, play-based learning experiences
• Observe children and use those insights to guide curriculum planning
• Adapt activities based on children’s interests and developmental needs
• Support each child’s growth - developmentally, socially, and emotionally
• Build strong, positive relationships with children, families, and coworkers

Who We’re Looking For

Someone who:

• Brings enthusiasm, patience, and creativity to the classroom
• Enjoys working both independently and collaboratively
• Communicates with warmth and clarity
• Is committed to being a strong role model while helping children learn and grow
• Has experience in early childhood education (or a strong desire to learn)

Preferred Qualifications

We’re looking for candidates who meet Teacher Associate (or higher) qualifications per Vermont regulations, including one of the following:

• An Associate’s degree in Early Education, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child & Family Services plus at least one year of experience working with children (grade 3 or younger)
• Completion of the Childcare Apprenticeship Program
• A Childcare Certificate from CCV plus one year of relevant experience
• At least 21 college credits in early childhood or school-age education plus one year of experience with children (grade 3 or younger)

What You’ll Love About Working Here

• Generous paid time off (sick time, vacation, and personal days)
• Paid holidays and in-service days
• Paid onboarding, training, and ongoing professional development
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Savings program
• Classroom support so you can focus on teaching
• Staff wellness program
• Fun and meaningful team experiences
• Childcare discounts for employees’ children

If you’re looking for more than just a job—and want to be part of a community where your work truly matters—we’d love to meet you.