Assistant teacher prek in Hartland,, VT

Summary

Hartland Cooperative Nursery School (HCNS) is hiring a part-time Teaching Assistant/Trainee to support its preschool program Tuesday through Friday (7 hours per day). The role focuses on helping create a safe, engaging classroom, assisting with daily activities, supporting teachers with planning and observations, and working with children, families, and parent volunteers.

Candidates should be reliable, collaborative, and interested in early childhood education. Experience with young children is helpful but not required. The position includes paid school breaks, personal days, snow days, and opportunities for professional development, along with optional benefits and potential annual raises.

Overall, this is a supportive, community-based opportunity for someone who enjoys working with young children and contributing to a cooperative school environment.

Duties

Teaching Assistant / Trainee Position

Hartland Cooperative Nursery School (HCNS)

Part-Time | Tuesday–Friday

Position Overview

Hilltop Cooperative Nursery School (HCNS) is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant/Trainee to support our preschool program. This role involves working closely with the Director and Lead Teachers to create a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment for young children.

Schedule & Hours

• Tuesday–Friday
• 7.5 hours per day (AM and PM programs) 35 weeks

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in supervising AM and PM preschool classes
• Help maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive classroom environment
• Support daily activities including:
• Free play
• Indoor/outdoor play
• Snack time
• Story time
• Art and learning projects
• Collaborate with teachers on curriculum planning and classroom management
• Conduct and support Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG) observations
• Supervise and guide parent volunteers
• Provide support to children and families as needed
• Participate in special events, open houses, and school community activities
• Follow all policies set by the HCNS Board of Directors

Professional Expectations

• Maintain CPR/First Aid certification
• Complete 15 hours of professional development annually
• Maintain and update an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP)
• Attend mandatory staff meetings (Board meetings encouraged)

Compensation & Benefits

• 20 paid school break days (Thanksgiving, Holiday, Winter, Spring)
• 8 paid discretionary days off (32 hours/year)
• Paid snow days (school cancellations)
• 2 paid parent-teacher conferences
• Community/Fundraising Events: 10 hours paid at $20/hour
• Optional Benefits:Simple IRA
• Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance (with HSA)

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Reliable, punctual, and organized
• Willingness to complete required trainings and certifications

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with young children (preschool preferred)
• Coursework in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Familiarity with Teaching Strategies Gold (TSG)
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Experience in cooperative or play-based learning environments

Benefits

✔ 20 Paid School Break Days (Thanksgiving, Holiday, Winter, Spring)

✔ Summers Off

✔ 8 Paid Personal Days (32 hours/year)

✔ Paid Snow Days

✔ 2 Paid Parent-Teacher Conferences

✔ Fundraising/Event Hours Paid at $20/hour

✔ Attend VAEYC Conference in October (paid by HCNS)