Substitute Nature-Based Preschool Teacher

Summary

  Bambino University is a year-round, nature-based early childhood program serving infants through school-age children in beautiful Cavendish, Vermont. We believe early childhood is a time of wondrous intellectual, social, and emotional development. Children are natural explorers, and our educators provide a diverse, outdoor-rich environment to support their growth. Our operating hours are 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with most of our days spent outdoors.

Duties

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide a nurturing, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children
• Collaborate with team members to uphold program and state guidelines
• Observe and support children’s long-term learning and emergent curriculum
• Maintain a safe, responsive, and healthy classroom environment
• Communicate professionally with staff and families
• Implement lesson plans provided by the absent teacher
• Supervise and engage with children at all times
• Support classroom routines, behavior management, and learning activities
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming space for children and families
• Report any concerns or incidents to program leadership

Requirements

Understanding of child development from birth to age six

Flexibility and teamwork within a learning community

Respect for children, educators, and the field of early childhood education

Minimum age: 18 years

Ability to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs

Willingness to complete First Aid/CPR training upon hire

Commitment to ongoing professional development per Vermont regulations

Nice To Haves

Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education preferred

Experience in nature-based or play-based settings

Creative problem-solving and a love of outdoor learning

Passion for social justice and inclusive education

Benefits

$17–$20/hour based on experience and credentials

Professional development opportunities

Annual bonuses as grant funding allows

Supportive, mission-driven team culture

Paid leave and holidays available for full-time hires