Nature-Based Lead Infant Teacher

Summary

Turtle Island Children's Center , a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is a year-round play and nature based early childhood program, serving infants through pre-Kindergarteners. We are located on magnificent grounds along the North Branch River in the Capital City of Montpelier, Vermont. Early childhood is a time of wondrous intellectual development as well as social and emotional learning. Children are explorers and investigators. As caring educators, we provide a diverse, natural environment for their pursuits. 

We spend most of our days outdoors. Our operating hours are 8:00am - 3:30pm.

Duties

Responsibilities of this position will include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Provide infants and young toddlers with a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment to help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally in a manner developmentally appropriate and in relationship to the overall goal of social competency. 
• Work collaboratively and as a team with volunteers, substitute teachers and floating teachers to ensure they are following state and program guidelines, regulations and expectations. 
• Observe, document and encourage children’s long term learning and development to support emergent curriculum in the areas; of building self-confidence, problem solving, social justice and active citizenship skills. 
• Coordinate and collaborate with co-teacher to create and maintain a safe, responsive and healthy physical environment that fosters the physical, emotional and cognitive development of young children.
• Proactively communicate effectively, professionally and respectfully with team members, administrators and families.
• Facilitate parent-teacher conferences biannually
• Actively supervise and engage with children while keeping them safe at all times.
• Create and maintain an environment that is clean, organized, responsive, inviting, welcoming and safe for all children and families

Requirements

Core Qualifications*:

• Minimum 2 years experience with infant group care.
• Hold 21 credits in ECE or higher or Career Ladder Level 3 or higher or ability to obtain Level 3 within 90 days of hire.
• Demonstrate understanding of the developmental needs of children from birth to 18 months old; responsiveness to the intellectual, emotional and social needs of children; ability to work with groups of children
• Show flexibility to work as a team member and a part of a learning community.
• Love and respect for children, teachers and the important work of early childhood education
• Must be at least 20 yrs. of age.
• Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 30 lbs 
• Meet annual professional development requirements, per Vermont state regulations. 
• Willingness to continue professional education in Early Childhood Education or related field. 
• Complete First Aid/CPR training upon hire

• If you do not meet the core requirements for this position, we welcome rolling applications for assistant and support teachers. If you would like to be an infant teacher, but do not meet Lead Teacher qualifications, please note this in your cover letter.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred, 21 credits in ECE or related field required. The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of child development, best practices within a play- and nature-based environment, creative problem solving, flexibility, and a love of children. We are a strong team of passionate educators, committed to social justice.

Benefits

• 20 days accrued paid leave annually (sick/personal)
• An additional 23+ paid days for program closures and holidays
• Professional development in-house opportunities and assistance
• A Direct Primary Care Plan: unlimited visits with nurse practitioner
• 403(b) Retirement account
• Wage/salary commensurate with experience & credentials
• Annual bonus
• Work within an incredible team of dedicated professionals
• 50% off childcare tuition at TICC for your child