PreK/K Assistant Teacher in Nature based program

Summary

Posted: June 4, 2025

Start Date: August 2025

Position Type: Full-time

Application Deadline: Posted Until Filled

Salary: $37,440

Neighborhood Schoolhouse is hiring for the position of Assistnat Teacher in our newly opened Pre-K/K classroom. Be part of Neighborhood's history as we begin re-opening our elementary program!This classroom will provide high quality early care and education for children ages 4-6. The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30. The Assistant Teacher supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. They must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents, the assistant teacher observes and documents children's interest and progress, and relays that information back to parents and staff. Assistant teachers are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children's interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director. They must have experience with educating young children outdoors in all weather.

Duties

• Promote positive association with playing and learning outdoors in all weather
• Assist in the implementation of curricula activities and encourage participation by children.
• Operate with a deep respect for children at all times
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions and progress reports.
• Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
• Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to school.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• Successful completion of High School or equivalent.
• Early Education experience is a plus, not a must, but with a growth mindset to learn and grow within the field.
• Commitment to obtaining a Northern Lights Career Ladder Level One within 9 months OR three (3) credits in a college course of early education or human development.
• High energy and ability to work outdoors in all climates.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• An understanding of child development.
• Excellent organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification. (Can obtain once hired)
• Ability to complete Vermont Orientation Training within 90 days of hire
• Must clear full background check.

The Neighborhood Schoolhouse is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Nice To Haves

We are a school community who loves the outdoors. All applicants must share a love for the outdoors and be prepared to teach and assist outside in all types of New England weather!

• Experience with nature-based early childhood education
• Knowledge of Emergent Curriculum and the Circle of Inquiry
• Knowledge of Reggio Emilia-inspired practices

Benefits

Benefits include: Paid time off, including sick and vacation, paid school holiday breaks (totalling more than 30 paid days off per year), retirement plan with company match, vision, dental, access to Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and other fringe benefits.

About Us

The Neighborhood Schoolhouse is a small, independent school in Brattleboro, Vermont. We have been inspiring a life-long love of learning through an emphasis on the arts, nature-based environmental education, and social-emotional skills since 1980. At Neighborhood Schoolhouse you will find few desks, but many tables, rugs, and learning stations where the students work and play together. The freedom we give students to move while learning aids their social development, builds community and trust, and boosts comprehension and retention. Our campus adjoins a protected 400-acre forest, where even the littlest learners explore and play. Our grounds, our gardens, the surrounding Vermont forest, and our beloved community are all part of what make Neighborhood an ideal place to grow.