Nature-Based Lead Infant Teacher- Full Time

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 young children (birth to age 5) 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:

• Hold Associate degree 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 six years 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 18 yrs. of age.
• Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 50 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

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preffered. 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 24+ paid days for program closures and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• A Direct Primary Care Plan: unlimited visits with nurse practitioner
• Wage/salary commensurate with experience & credentials
• Annual bonuses, as grant funding allows
• Work within an incredible team of dedicated professionals
• 50% off childcare tuition at TICC for your child