Childcare Assistant

Job Details: Job Location: WILMINGTON, VT 05363, Position Type: Seasonal, Salary Range: $20.00 - $25.00 Hourly, Assistant Childcare Teacher

Location: The Hermitage Club at Haystack Mountain, Wilmington, Vermont

Department: Childcare

Reports To: Childcare Manager / Lead Childcare Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Job Type: Part-Time / Seasonal

Position Summary

The Assistant Childcare Teacher at The Hermitage Club helps provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for the children of Club members and guests. The Hermitage Club operates a licensed Childcare Center during weekends and holiday periods throughout the winter season, providing children with a high-quality experience centered around fun, developmentally appropriate, and mountain-inspired activities.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare & Classroom Support

• Participate in and help lead daily classroom activities, including indoor play, mealtimes, storytime, rest periods, and other developmentally appropriate activities.
• Provide attentive and appropriate supervision of children throughout the day.
• Help children successfully navigate classroom routines, transitions, and center-based play.
• Provide calm, patient, one-on-one support to children who are upset or having difficulty adjusting to the childcare environment.
• Encourage positive interactions among children and contribute to a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.

Outdoor & Mountain-Inspired Activities

• Assist with taking children outdoors daily when weather and conditions permit.
• Help children learn how to prepare appropriately for Vermont winter conditions, including putting on and managing winter clothing.
• Incorporate outdoor preparation into the daily routine as part of introducing children to winter recreation and the mountain environment.
• Help make outdoor experiences safe, positive, and enjoyable while recognizing when weather conditions may prevent extended outdoor play.

Parent & Member Communication

• Welcome children and families to the Childcare Center in a warm and professional manner.
• Build positive relationships with parents and guardians.
• Provide appropriate daily updates regarding children's routines, activities, development, and experiences.
• Communicate questions or concerns regarding a child to the Lead Childcare Teacher or Childcare Manager as appropriate.

Safety, Cleanliness & Classroom Environment

• Help maintain a healthy, clean, safe, and organized classroom environment.
• Follow established cleaning, sanitation, and classroom procedures.
• Maintain appropriate supervision and follow all Hermitage Club childcare safety practices.
• Follow Club policies and applicable Vermont childcare requirements.
• Maintain required Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification.

Teamwork & Service Excellence

• Work collaboratively with Lead Childcare Teachers and other childcare staff to provide consistent care and supervision.
• Assist with classroom preparation, organization, cleaning, and end-of-day responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively with fellow teachers and Club leadership regarding classroom and children's needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility as attendance, staffing, weather, and children's needs change throughout the day.
• Provide the attentive and personalized level of service expected by Hermitage Club members and their families.

Qualifications

• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One (1) or Level Two (2) Certificate; or
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three (3) or younger; or
• State Board of Education-approved Human Services Program Certificate emphasizing child development or early childhood education and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three (3) or younger; or
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals course or Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three (3) or younger; or
• Completion of a three-credit college course in child or human development, or a three-credit college course for school-age care and education, and at least 12 months of experience working with groups of children in grade three (3) or younger.

Required Certifications & Skills

• Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification required; assistance identifying appropriate training may be available.
• BFIS account preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with children, parents, colleagues, and Club members.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and attentive when working one-on-one with children who are upset.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a childcare team and follow the direction of Lead Teachers and Club leadership.
• Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and move frequently at children's level.
• Comfortable working in both indoor and outdoor winter environments.
• Ability to assist children with winter clothing and participate in outdoor activities.
• Must be available Saturdays during January and February.
• Additional shifts may be available on weekends and during holiday periods. The attached description identifies additional scheduling opportunities from January through April.
• Reliable attendance during winter weather is required; the Childcare Center does not observe traditional school snow days.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Work: Help create positive, memorable experiences for the children of Hermitage Club members and guests.
• Unique Environment: Work in a licensed childcare setting within a private Vermont mountain club where winter recreation and outdoor experiences are incorporated into children's activities.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside qualified Lead Childcare Teachers while building experience in early childhood education and center-based childcare.
• Seasonal Flexibility: A great opportunity for qualified childcare professionals seeking part-time weekend and holiday work during the winter season.

The Hermitage Club is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with respect and provided with equal opportunities, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, or any other characteristic protected by law.