Pre-Kindergarten Teacher

Summary

Join Our Team at Sensations in Learning by considering these questions:

Are you seeking a workplace that feels welcoming, supportive, and aligned with your values?

Do you want a schedule that respects work–life balance?

Are you looking for an opportunity to work outdoors, connect with nature, and engage meaningfully with children each day?

Do you value competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a collaborative professional community?

Sensations in Learning may be the right fit for you.

Why Sensations in Learning?

Sensations in Learning is a progressive early childhood education program grounded in a holistic approach to teaching and learning. Our work is guided by the belief that children learn best through meaningful experiences, exploration, and strong relationships.

• A progressive, holistic educational philosophy
• Exposure to diverse environments and intentional learning experiences
• An approach that supports children’s self-awareness, independence, and understanding of the world around them
• A collaborative culture that values every voice on Team Sensations in Learning
• A pedagogy inspired by Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia
• On-site service based leaders who dedicate the majority of their time to mentoring and coaching educators

Being Part of Team Sensations in Learning

When you join Sensations in Learning, you become part of a professional community that prioritizes growth, connection, and well-being.

• Access to a private Sensations in Learning Teaching Titans community
• Three set weeks of paid vacation in addition to 40 hours of PTO.
• Participation in three annual professional development days focused on learning, collaboration, and team building
• Opportunities to attend community-building events throughout the year
• Trunk or Treat
• Annual Student Art Show

If you are passionate about early childhood education and are seeking a supportive, values-driven workplace, we invite you to explore opportunities with Sensations in Learning.

Duties

What Would I Do as a Sensations in Learning Teacher?

As a Sensations in Learning Teacher, you will play an active role in supporting young children’s growth through relationship-based, experiential, and nature-connected learning. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum by planning, adapting, and facilitating learning experiences aligned with Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS), emergent curriculum practices, and children’s individual interests and needs.
• Design and lead nature-based and outdoor learning experiences across seasons, supporting children’s exploration of the natural environment through inquiry, play, observation, and hands-on discovery in varied weather conditions.
• Facilitate individual and small- and large-group experiences that promote social-emotional development, problem-solving, communication, creativity, and cognitive growth through play, movement, and exploration.
• Support children’s physical development and risk awareness by supervising outdoor play, guiding safe risk-taking, and teaching environmental stewardship, body awareness, and respect for living things.
• Observe, document, and assess children’s learning and development, using observations, photos, and reflective documentation to inform planning, support individualized learning, and communicate progress with families and team members.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families, maintaining open, professional communication and supporting family partnerships grounded in trust and shared goals.
• Maintain a healthy and safe learning environment, including adherence to hygiene practices, supervision requirements, emergency procedures, and consistent implementation of health and safety protocols both indoors and outdoors.
• Ensure compliance with all Sensations in Learning policies and Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations, including documentation, ratios, mandated reporting, and required training.
• Collaborate with teaching teams and Pedagogistas to reflect on practice, engage in coaching and professional growth, and contribute to a positive, supportive workplace culture.
• Prepare, maintain, and organize learning environments and materials, ensuring classrooms and outdoor spaces are inviting, well-equipped, and responsive to children’s developmental stages and interests.
• Model respectful, inclusive, and trauma-informed practices, supporting children’s emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and sense of belonging.
• Support daily routines and transitions, including meals, rest, toileting, and transitions between indoor and outdoor environments, in ways that are respectful, predictable, and developmentally appropriate.
• Engage in ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and staff meetings to deepen understanding of early childhood education, nature-based pedagogy, and Vermont-specific best practices.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of two years of professional experience working with young children in an early childhood, outdoor, or nature-based educational setting preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with children, families, and colleagues.
• Basic technology skills, including comfort using digital tools for documentation, communication, and required program systems.
• High energy and physical stamina, with the ability to actively engage in outdoor learning across varied terrain and weather conditions. This includes the ability to take frequent walks; use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, and materials; and regularly kneel, bend, squat, climb, and crawl as part of active supervision and play.
• Visual and sensory awareness necessary to ensure child safety, including the ability to see at close range and at a distance, distinguish colors, maintain peripheral vision, and assess depth and spatial awareness in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively alongside teachers, support staff, children, and families to foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning community.
• A foundational understanding of child development, early learning theory, and developmentally appropriate practice—or a demonstrated eagerness and openness to ongoing learning and professional growth.
• A genuine interest in nature-based and experiential learning, including comfort spending extended time outdoors and supporting children’s curiosity, inquiry, and connection to the natural world.
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain certification upon hire.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, in accordance with Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• High School Diploma or GED required, with significant college coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Outdoor Education, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and emotional awareness, with the ability to respond calmly and thoughtfully to the dynamic needs of young children.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful practice, recognizing and honoring the diverse identities, cultures, and experiences of children and families.

Nice To Haves

Additional Qualities Valued within our community

• An interest in or background in nature-based education, including a belief in the importance of outdoor play, environmental stewardship, and learning through direct experience. Educators with this interest support children in developing curiosity, resilience, problem-solving skills, and a meaningful connection to the natural world.
• An interest in or experience with basic gardening and outdoor activities, such as planting, harvesting, caring for living things, and using outdoor tools and materials. These experiences help educators guide children in understanding life cycles, responsibility, sustainability, and seasonal rhythms in developmentally appropriate ways.
• Background or experience with Montessori and Waldorf educational models, including an understanding of child-led learning, hands-on materials, mixed-age or collaborative learning, rhythm and routine, storytelling, art, and the role of beauty and intention in the learning environment.
• Comfort facilitating open-ended, play-based learning, allowing children to explore materials and environments at their own pace while supporting independence, creativity, and intrinsic motivation.
• An appreciation for slow, intentional teaching practices, recognizing the value of observation, reflection, and following children’s interests rather than relying on rigid curricula.
• A calm, patient, and responsive teaching presence, supporting children’s emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and sense of safety through consistent and respectful interactions.
• Curiosity and reflective practice, with a willingness to observe, question, and adapt teaching strategies to meet the evolving needs of individual children and the group.
• An understanding of seasonal and place-based learning, particularly within Vermont’s climate, embracing year-round outdoor experiences and using natural changes as meaningful teaching opportunities.

Benefits

Benefits:

• Dental insurance after 90 days
• Medical insurance through the VT Marketplace, we cover 50% of your monthly co-pay up to $250 per month!
• $50K life insurance provided to all full time staff after 90 days, fully paid by the company.
• Simple IRA, we match up to 3% dollar-for-dollar.
• 40 hours Accrued PTO
• 120 hours Paid Vacation (set weeks in July, August, and December)
• 9 Paid Holidays and 3 Professional Development Days
• 80% Employee Discount for Childcare
• Tuition Assistance
• Professional Development Assistance
• “Swag for Service” Milestone Gifts including birthdays off and black-out days off

About Us

Conveniently located just off Route 2 in Williston, Sensations in Learning is a nature-based early childhood program intentionally designed to feel like home while reflecting our commitment to high-quality education. Our beautiful post-and-beam building features brick floors in our Infant, Younger Toddler, Early Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms, high ceilings, and large schoolhouse windows that fill each space with natural light. Classrooms are warm, inviting, and thoughtfully prepared to support connection, curiosity, and a sense of belonging. Outdoors, children and educators share daily experiences with our expansive natural play areas, gardens, and Outdoor Classroom—along with our beloved chickens, who are an important part of children’s learning about responsibility, care, and community. Beyond our campus, Sensations in Learning is deeply committed to strengthening the living economics of our local community and fostering strong, authentic relationships within and beyond our school community. Educators who join our team become part of a close-knit, supportive environment where collaboration, care for the natural world, and meaningful community connections are truly valued.