Early Childhood - Toddler Teacher at nature-based preschool

Summary

Program Overview

Old School of South Burlington is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nature preschool. We are influenced by the nature-based model for early education where we utilize nature to inspire learning. The curriculum is directed by the current interests of the children (emergent curriculum) to create engaging, hands-on, relevant learning opportunities. We believe that when children are provided abundant opportunities to join developmentally appropriate play, we witness some of the deepest learning. The goal is to have learning that is based in the process, rather than a predetermined ending for each child. Teachers serve as mentors and guides, asking open-ended questions and modeling skills for lifelong learning. Nature-based curriculum is supported by a growing body of research which confirms that children ages birth to eight learn most effectively through play-based, interest-driven learning.  We value time outdoors and plan to spend most of our time playing and learning outdoors - in the rain, snow, ice, mud, shade, and sunshine. 

https://www.oldschoolvt.org/

Position Overview

This position comes with a $500 sign-on bonus! Job starts ASAP

This is a full-time, year-round, salaried teaching position with health benefits. The Toddler (Caterpillars) classroom has 8 children per day - ages 18 months - 3 years old. The work hours are 8:30 - 4:30, Monday through Friday.

This person must be flexible and approachable. Must have knowledge and experience with early childhood education and value outdoor learning.  Responsible for coordinating a cohesive teaching team, overseeing the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. Must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.

Duties

• Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS)
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Plan age-appropriate activities for individuals and groups that actively engage children and encourage social, cognitive and emotional growth.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Ensure a healthy classroom environment - including maintaining appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards and safety and security of children.
• Supervise teacher assistants and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

A teacher associate is at least twenty (20) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications:

At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three (3) Certificate; or

At least an associate degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or

At least a Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; or

At least a Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or

At least successful completion of twenty-one (21) college credits with an early childhood or school age focus and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 35 lbs.
• Appreciation for all types of weather, including: cold, wet, muddy, etc.
• Ability to navigate uneven terrain

Benefits

• Health care benefits - health, vision, & dental. Old School pays 90% of monthly premiums
• $500 sign-on bonus paid out after 60 days of employment
• Sick time: 40 hours of sick time annually
• Schedule - Old School follows the SBSD calendar. These are paid vacation weeks.
• We are closed five (6) weeks of the year for vacation breaks: Thanksgiving (Nov), Early Winter (Dec), Winter (Feb), Spring (April), Summer (last week of June), and Late Summer (last week of August through Labor Day).
• Closed four (5) holidays: Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples, MLK, Memorial Day, Juneteenth
• Ten (10) in-service days across the year
• $600 annually towards professional development of your choice (workshops, coursework)
• $200 annually towards outdoor gear

Equal Opportunity Employer

Old School of South Burlington, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About Us

Helping children foster early and meaningful relationships with the environment and their community is what we do. Old School's classroom are outdoors as much as indoors. Our location at Ascension Lutheran Church (95 Allen Road) in South Burlington boasts access to 7 acres of forest for unique outdoor learning opportunities. Nature provides the challenges and stimulation children need to grow, with guidance from thoughtful and supportive educators.