Infant/Toddler Staff and Programming Coordinator

About This Role

Turtle Island Children’s Center seeks a collaborative, relationship-centered Infant/Toddler Staff Engagement & Programming Coordinator. This role combines classroom leadership, coaching, mentorship, and program coordination to support a strong, reflective, and community-centered learning environment.

The child-centered, emergent, and nature-based early childhood program is grounded in play, curiosity, and relationship-based learning. We foster creativity, collaboration, problem solving, and social-emotional growth through hands-on experiences and outdoor exploration in all seasons.

What You'll Do

• Core Responsibilities

• Staff Leadership & Culture

  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and support to Infant/Toddler teaching staff to enhance their practice and confidence.
  • Partner with the Executive Director to support Infant/Toddler staff and oversee the annual review process.
  • Foster staff morale, communication, and collaborative culture-building through regular meetings and open dialogue.
  • Work closely with the PreK Coordinator to ensure continuity between infant/toddler and PreK programming.
  • Participate in strategic planning and board committee collaboration as needed.

• Programming & Classroom Leadership

  • Spend an average of at least 60% of work time in classrooms, providing hands-on support, modeling, and coverage to ensure high-quality programming.
  • Support pedagogy, curriculum development, parent communication, and classroom systems to create a cohesive and effective learning environment.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director on staffing plans, schedules, and program quality to ensure alignment with our values and pedagogical approach.
  • Identify classroom and playground needs related to safety and programming to ensure a safe and engaging environment for children.
  • Ensure programming aligns with Turtle Island’s values and pedagogical approach, reflecting our commitment to child-centered, emergent, and nature-based learning.

• Student Support & Inclusion

  • Coordinate with the Executive Director to support students with diverse developmental needs, ensuring their inclusion and participation in all aspects of the program.
  • Help ensure inclusion practices are respectful, feasible, and sustainable for staff, promoting a culture of equity and empathy.
  • Coordinate access to training and resources related to supporting diverse learners, enhancing the quality of our program and promoting inclusive practices.

• Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

  • Lead Infant/Toddler recruitment efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, ensuring a strong and diverse pool of candidates.
  • Conduct interviews and support hiring decisions to select the best candidates for our team.
  • Lead onboarding and orientation for new staff, ensuring a smooth transition into our community and a comprehensive understanding of our program and values.
  • Track certifications, professional development requirements, and related documentation to ensure compliance and staff growth.

• Professional Development & Systems

  • Coordinate professional development opportunities and mentorship support to enhance staff skills and knowledge.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director to maintain the Staff Handbook and ensure alignment with licensing requirements and professional development systems.
  • Maintain STARS alignment and support renewal processes, ensuring compliance and a high-quality program.
  • Cook up caregiver conference scheduling with the Executive Director and PreK Coordinator, promoting communication and collaboration.

• Staff Meetings & Communication

  • Lead meetings related to curriculum, pedagogy, classroom practice, and staff culture, fostering open dialogue and collaboration.
  • Create and distribute monthly staff newsletters, keeping staff informed and engaged with program updates and initiatives.
  • Contribute programmatic insight to strategic planning discussions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to decision-making.

Requirements

• Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in infant/toddler or early childhood education settings, with a strong understanding of child development, relationship-based care, and emergent curriculum.
  • Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting teaching staff to enhance their practice and confidence.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to balance classroom support with administrative responsibilities.
  • Commitment to inclusive, anti-bias, and community-centered educational practices, with experience with licensing requirements, STARS, professional development systems, or special education collaboration.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or equivalent experience and training.
  • Experience with curriculum development, pedagogy, and parent communication, with a strong understanding of classroom systems and safety protocols.

• Nice to Have

  • Experience with outdoor education, nature-based learning, and environmental stewardship, with a strong understanding of the importance of hands-on experiences and exploration.
  • A passion for creating a sense of community and belonging among staff, children, and families, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits

This Infant/Toddler Staff and Programming Coordinator role pays $24 to $30/Hr. The job is Full Time. Turtle Island Children's Center is located at 659 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT.