ECE Teacher Apprentice (Entry Level)
About This Role
Start Your Career in Early Childhood Education with Paid Training & Mentorship!
Love working with young children and looking for an opportunity where you can learn while you earn? A Place to Grow is looking for passionate individuals to join our team as Early Childhood Apprentices.
As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience in the classroom while receiving direct, dedicated guidance from our skilled teaching staff and franchise owner. We invest in your future—covering 100% of your training costs and supporting you every step of the way.
Why Join Our Apprenticeship Program?
Paid Training: We cover all training expenses—no out-of-pocket costs for you.
Built-In Salary Increases: Earn predictable raises as you achieve program milestones and develop your skills.
Hands-On Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced educators who want to see you succeed.
Flexible Learning: Self-paced online coursework designed to accommodate non-traditional learners.
Multiple Career Pathways: Not ready for college? No problem. Our program supports both degree-track and non-college technical credentials to fit your personal goals.
Take the first step toward a rewarding career in education. Apply today to grow with us!
Perks & Benefits
Affordable Onsite Housing Option: A rare, highly affordable housing opportunity located directly on our beautiful property at our Durham location (ideal for an individual or couple; 1 BR is about $1000 a month).
Career Growth: Stackable apprenticeships maximize rapid growth potential
Incredible Environment: Daily access to acres of woods, trails, and gardens.
We are proud to be the 2022 NH SBA Woman-Owned Business of the Year and an Environmental Champion Award recipient. We offer an inclusive, environmentally sustainable work environment where dedicated educators can truly thrive.
What You'll Do
Multi-Age Teaching & Engagement: Work dynamically across all age groups (infants from 6 weeks through Pre-K), leading and executing hands-on, nature-based activities tailored to mixed age groups.
Daily Care & Support: Provide compassionate, individual care by supporting children through routine daily activities, transitions, and developmental milestones.
Administrative & Leadership Training: Gain real-world experience by assisting with daily business operations, program logistics, and administrative tasks alongside the director and owner.
Community & Curriculum Planning: Help design experiential learning opportunities that utilize our 20-acre grounds and connect with our resident partners at Harmony Homes.
Requirements
NH State Licensing & Position Requirements:
- Background Check & Fingerprinting: Must pass a full state and federal criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to/upon hire (100% company-paid).
- Health & Safety Training: Complete the mandatory online NH Health & Safety Orientation training (6 hours).
- First Aid & CPR Certification: Hold or obtain valid certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR (100% company-paid).
- Health Screening: Provide a completed NH Child Care Personnel Health Form (physical exam) completed within the last 12 months (100% company paid).
- Education & Age: Minimum 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or equivalent. (College coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related fields is highly preferred).
Personal & Professional Qualities:
- Joyful & Play-Based Mindset: Excited to share the joy of learning through play and child-led discovery in a nature-focused setting.
- Adaptability & Collaboration: Comfortable working across mixed age groups (infants through Pre-K) in a close-knit, small center environment.
- Interest in Leadership: Eager to build teaching skills through mentorship.
Nice To Have
Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have):
- Experience: Passion for working with young children, some experience is helpful
- Education / Credentials: None needed, we will train
- Intergenerational & Outdoor Focus: Passion for outdoor/nature-based learning or intergenerational programming.
- Leadership Interest: A desire to grow as a professional through stackable apprenticeships.
🌟 Note: Have the passion but missing a few credentials? Don't hesitate to apply! We are willing to train, support, and mentor the right candidate to help you gain your certifications and grow your career with us.
Benefits
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Retirement Plan
- Tuition Assistance
- Child Care Discount
- Professional Development
- Flexible Schedule
- At A Place to Grow, we believe in taking care of the educators who take care of our children. We offer a supportive, "Families First" culture paired with a robust perks and benefits package designed to invest in your personal and professional well-being:
- Affordable Onsite Housing: Stable, affordable housing options located right on our 20-acre property (subject to availability).
- Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy ~18 paid days off per year, including major holidays and dedicated vacation closures.
- Flexibility: Work schedules designed to promote work-life balance, plus up to 10 days of Unpaid Time Off (UTO) for personal needs or family emergencies.
- Free College Tuition & Professional Development: We allocate ~$700 annually per full-time employee toward ECE college courses, CDA credentials, textbooks, and workshops—plus assistance connecting with NH grants and apprenticeship pathways!
- 100% Employer-Paid Credentials & Onboarding: We cover all costs for your required state background check, pre-employment physical, and First Aid & CPR certification/renewals.
- Clear Advancement Pathways: Structured career development aligned with the NH Early Childhood Professional Development System to help you move from teaching into leadership.
- 24/7 Telemedicine & Mental Health: Free, instant access to board-certified doctors for you and your immediate family via phone/video, plus 10 free mental health visits per year and prescription savings.
- 401(k) Retirement Savings: Save for your future with a 3% company match.
- Discounted Childcare Tuition: Subsidized childcare rates for your own children while you work.
- Competitive Salary: Fair, experience-based pay with annual performance and salary reviews.
- Free AAA Membership: Drive with peace of mind! Every regular employee receives a fully paid annual AAA membership featuring 24/7 roadside assistance, travel discounts, and more.
- Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursed at federal rates for any work-related travel or field trip driving.