Nature-Based Infant/Toddler Support Teacher

About the role

Turtle Island Children’s Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit year-round play- and nature-based early childhood program serving infants through pre‑Kindergarteners. We occupy beautiful grounds along the North Branch River in Montpelier, Vermont. Early childhood is a time of rapid intellectual, social, and emotional growth; we provide a diverse, natural environment that supports children’s explorations and investigations. Days are spent primarily outdoors, and operating hours are 8:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Responsibilities

• Provide infants and young toddlers with a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment that fosters social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development in a developmentally appropriate manner aligned with social-competency goals.
• Collaborate with volunteers, substitute teachers, and floating teachers to ensure adherence to state regulations, program guidelines, and expectations.
• Observe and document children’s learning and development to inform emergent curriculum focused on self-confidence, problem-solving, social justice, and active citizenship.
• Coordinate with a co-teacher to maintain a safe, responsive, and healthy physical environment that supports children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.
• Communicate effectively, professionally, and respectfully with team members, administrators, and families.
• Facilitate parent–teacher conferences biannually.
• Actively supervise and engage children while ensuring their safety at all times.
• Create and maintain a clean, organized, responsive, inviting, welcoming, and safe environment for all children and families.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in infant/toddler group care.
• Ideally hold 21 credits in Early Childhood Education or higher, or Career Ladder Level 3 or higher—or the ability to obtain Level 3 within 90 days of hire.
• Demonstrate understanding of developmental needs of children from birth to 18 months; responsiveness to intellectual, emotional, and social needs; and ability to work with groups of children.
• Show flexibility to work as a team member within a learning community.
• Love and respect for children, teachers, and the work of early childhood education.
• At least 20 years of age.
• Ability to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 30 lbs.
• Meet annual professional development requirements per Vermont state regulations.
• Willingness to continue professional education in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Complete First Aid/CPR training upon hire.

Nice to have

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education preferred; 21 credits in ECE or a related field required.
• Understanding of child development and best practices within a play- and nature-based environment.
• Creative problem-solving, flexibility, and a love of children.

Benefits

• 20 days of accrued paid leave annually (sick/personal).
• 23+ additional paid days for program closures and holidays.
• In-house professional development opportunities and assistance.
• A Direct Primary Care Plan with unlimited visits to a nurse practitioner.
• 403(b) retirement account.
• Wage/salary commensurate with experience and credentials.
• Annual bonus.
• Work within an incredible team of dedicated professionals.
• 50% off childcare tuition at TICC for your child.