Job Description
Summary We are seeking a passionate early childhood educator to join our team and lead our young toddler classroom. Our Colchester School is licensed for 40 children, with 4 classrooms, a gross motor space and 2 acres of outside space. There is also a garden and a wooden trail to explore.
In our schools we believe that each child should be celebrated and that our learning center should be an inclusive place where all children, families, staff and neighbors are welcomed, supported and recognized as full members of our community. We believe all children to be inherently worthy, knowledgeable, and we strongly believe in collaborating with families to fully support and nurture all aspects of their development.
We believe in a learning culture where students are our guides, and incorporating their ideas and questions into the classroom curriculum is not only valid but necessary. We celebrate imagination, love, curiosity, empathy, consent, and boundaries.
Our program follows an anti-bias, emergent, and play-based curriculum that fosters social-emotional development and allows children to explore and learn through hands-on experiences. You will have the opportunity to create engaging learning experiences that promote cognitive, physical, and social development, while actively promoting a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Duties Early Childhood Educator Job Responsibilities: - Responsible for the care, supervision and management of a class of children (age 12 - 24 months) following the goals and systems of One Arts Community Schools and play-based practice
- Coordinates and implements educational curriculum by developing activities through observation of children's interest in play, developmentally appropriate practices, and Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS)
- Creating a classroom schedule for consistency, and moving children through various activities throughout the day such as snack time, group activities, bathroom reminders/diaper changes, lunch, nap time, outside explorations and more
- Developing caring relationships with each child by attending to their needs, interests, questions and more
- Create inviting learning environments with hands on activities that support the natural curiosity of young children
- Using a variety of learning strategies to support development across multiple domains such as reading stories, playing games, creating art pieces, building with students etc.
- Guiding children through social interactions with peers and encouraging prosocial behaviors which includes supporting students with conflict by intervening and modeling appropriate strategies for resolution such as taking turns, swapping toys, and more.
- Use positive, encouraging language with children and implement positive behavior management strategies
- Leads by example; encourages teaching team success through modeling and coaching
- Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with families.
- Attending staff meetings, conferences and workshops
- Maintain frequent communication with parents through daily informal discussions and check ins, progress reports and parent teacher conferences.
- Identifying behavioral problems and collaborating with team members and parents to develop appropriate strategies to address them.
- Using observation and assessment tools, this position is responsible for documenting and supporting each child?s growth and learning in relation to their developmental level and the Vermont Early Learning Standards
- Assist in assuring that all center policies and state regulations are met
- Maintains accurate attendance records
Requirements Early Childhood Educator Qualifications / Skills: - Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- Experience with culturally sensitive teaching practices
- Desire to fully support and nurture children with diverse background and varying skill levels in all areas of their education and developmental development
- Communicate clearly and intelligibly both orally and in writing with children, families and staff
- Ability to organize tasks and manage time to meet many and varied deadlines
- Working familiarity with assistive technologies; internet and email systems; and word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software
- Pursue professional development trainings with topics of interest to your IPDP and other professional goals
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements: - Associate?s degree or at least 21 related credits in Early Childhood Education or a related field, or at least 12 credits in Early childhood and willing to continue education
- 3 credit Child Development Course or equivalent
- Demonstrated knowledge of current instructional strategies preferred
- Recent teaching experience or a minimum of 2 years experiences with children ages 6 and under
- Preferably holds a Vermont Educators License in Early Childhood Education or Early Childhood Special Education
- Must have completed, or be willing to complete the following: First Aid/CPR, Mandated reporter training and the VT orientation training.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: - The physical demands of child care work involve standing for long durations of time, walking, frequently bending low and often lifting and carrying young children. Childcare workers should be able to stoop and kneel to talk to children at their eye level and also engage in hands-on play. They are also responsible for the supervision of young children and should be able to hear them and see them well.
- The working conditions in a child care setting can often be noisy and hectic and are subject to outdoor weather conditions such as sun, heat, rain, snow during the outdoor learning experiences for children.
Nice To Haves - A Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field
- A Teaching License
- Over 3 years experience working with children in a school setting
Benefits - Monday- Friday work schedule
- 8 Hour shifts - between 8:00AM-5:00 PM with paid lunch break
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- 50% Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off (over 4 weeks)
- Sick time (separate from PTO)
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
- Free School Lunch
Job Tags
Full time, Outdoor, Shift work, Monday to Friday,