Nature-Based Preschool 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 much of our days outdoors and on adventures, exploring the trails surrounding our campus. Our operating hours are 8:00am - 3:30pm. Most teachers work from 7:30-3:30 or 8-4

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

• Work collaboratively in a co-teaching team and with floating teachers, substitutes, administrators and other members of our school community to support the daily work of creating and maintaining a responsive learning environment

• Observe, document and encourage children’s long term learning through the practice of emergent curriculum that supports, among other things: relationship-building, self-confidence, problem-solving, social justice and active citizenship skills. 

• Proactively communicate effectively, professionally and respectfully with team members, administrators and families.

• Actively supervise and engage with children while keeping them safe at all times.

Requirements

Core Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in early childhood education or related field, three years of experience or equivalent
• Demonstrate basic 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 work of early childhood education
• Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 50 lbs 
• Willingness to continue professional development in early childhood education or related field. 
• Complete First Aid/CPR and other training upon hire

Nice To Haves

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.

Folks with a bachelor's degree in education or a VT teaching license are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• 20 days paid leave annually (sick/personal)
• Paid program holidays, including school break weeks
• Professional development opportunities
• A Direct Primary Care Plan: unlimited visits with nurse practitioner
• Wage/salary commensurate with experience & credentials (and expected to increase in the fall)
• Annual bonuses, as grant funding allows
• Work within an incredible team of dedicated professionals
• 50% off childcare tuition at TICC for your child