Summary

Become a part of a program that values you as a professional, welcomes you to become a long term member of our community and appreciates work/life balance!
We invite you to apply to this co-teacher position in our Toddler Classroom (ages 18-36 months) at our First Roots Underhill infant/toddler center. You will be part of a team of 4 teachers and are responsible for the care, supervision, and management of a class of children in accord with our nature based educational philosophy at First-Roots-Wild Roots. You will be responsible for creating warm and nurturing relationships with each child and family, documenting each child's growth, and designing age appropriate curriculum that supports communication, social skills, and autonomy through exploration and play.

Duties

Achieving Professional Fulfillment

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities to support an emergent nature based curriculum focus that is consistent with the Vermont Early Learning Standards to develop the "whole child".
• Design indoor and outdoor classrooms that support children's interests, curiosity, hands-on exploration, problem solving, creativity, and is a model for positive social relationships.
• Provide experiences that promote individual expression through conversation, play and creativity, through emergent and play based curriculum.
• Contribute to the operation of the center by participating in staff meetings, committee meetings and sharing information gained through attendance at workshops and professional training.

Building a Community

• Create an open, friendly, and cooperative atmosphere in which children, families, and co-workers feel comfortable and secure.
• Promote and nurture parent-child bonding and relationships.
• Be a positive ambassador for the program by participating in community events and sharing community resources with parents.
• Promote independence and responsibility for all by guiding behavior with positive behavior management techniques.
• Work collaboratively with peers to maintain a positive and open work climate for all.

Cultivating healthy environmental choices and sustainable business practices

• Observe children daily to detect signs of illness, injury, abuse, neglect, emotional disturbance, or other special needs to document and report signs immediately to the Director.
• Use all our play spaces safely and conscientiously
• Join a fun committee to promote the well being and sustainability of our staff and enhance our culture.
• Maintain Eco-Healthy Child Care Certification Standards.

Requirements

Some of the things we are looking for in you!
Nature Based Education Enthusiast: Deep appreciation for the importance of using nature as a second teacher and finding joy in nature while securing a sustainable future for our children and our one planet.
Education: Bachelor's degree (Early Childhood Education, Human Resources, Social Work, or Psychology preferred) OR Associates in Early Childhood or Elementary Education.
Teaching Experience: Minimum 2 years experience developing and implementing developmentally appropriate and meaningful curriculum for children ages 1-3.
Communication Skills: Be skilled in thoughtful and reflective communications with colleagues and seek dialogue that values all perspectives.
Interpersonal Skills: Build trust and effectively collaborate with everyone.
Sense of Humor: Our kids laugh a lot, and you should too!

Benefits

Our generous benefits package includes:

• a contribution to a Health Reimbursement Account
• 4 weeks paid time off
• Short Term Disability
• Group Dental and Vision plans

About Us

We are a nature-based early childhood program with centers in Hinesburg and Underhill Vermont. We value our teachers as professionals, appreciate work/life balance, and welcome staff to become a long term member of our community!