Nature- Preschool Teacher

Summary

Turtle Island Children's Center, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is a year-round play and nature based early childhood program, serving infants through pre‑Kindergarteners. We are located on magnificent grounds along the North Branch River in the Capital City of Montpelier, Vermont. Early childhood is a time of wondrous intellectual development as well as social and emotional learning. Children are explorers and investigators.

As caring educators, we provide a diverse, natural environment for their pursuits. We spend much of our days outdoors and on adventures, exploring the trails surrounding our campus. Our operating hours are 8:00am – 3:30pm
. Most teachers work from 7:30‑3:30 or 8‑4.

Responsibilities of this position will include but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Provide young children (birth to age
  5) with a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment to help them develop socially, intellectually, physically, and emotionally
• Work collaboratively in a co‑teaching team and with floating teachers, substitutes, administrators and other members of our school community to support the daily work of creating and maintaining a responsive learning environment
• Observe, document and encourage children’s long‑term learning through the practice of emergent curriculum that supports, among other things, relationship‑building, self‑confidence, problem‑solving, social justice and active citizenship skills
• Proactively communicate effectively, professionally and respectfully with team members, administrators and families
• Actively supervise and engage with children while keeping them safe at all times

Core

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education or related field, three years of experience or equivalent
• Demonstrate basic understanding of the developmental needs of children from birth to six years old; responsiveness to the intellectual, emotional and social needs of children; ability to work with groups of children
• Show flexibility to work as a team member and a part of a learning community
• Love and respect for children, teachers and the work of early childhood education
• Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry children up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to continue professional development in early childhood education or related field
• Complete First Aid/CPR and other training upon hire

The successful candidate will demonstrate an understanding of child development, best practices within a play‑and‑nature‑based environment, creative problem solving, flexibility, and a love of children. Folks with a bachelor’s degree in education or a VT teaching license are encouraged to apply.

• 20 days paid leave annually (sick/personal)
• Paid program holidays, including school break weeks
• Professional development opportunities
• A Direct Primary Care Plan: unlimited visits with nurse practitioner
• Wage/salary commensurate with experience & credentials (and expected to increase in the fall)
• Annual bonuses, as grant funding allows
• Work within an incredible team of dedicated professionals
• 50% off childcare tuition at TICC for your child