Stepping Stones Children's Center Inc
Full-Time Reggio-Inspired Early Childhood Educator
Stepping Stones Children's Center Inc, Burlington, Vermont, United States, 05401
Job Description
Job Description Summary
Stepping Stones Children's Center
is a small, non-profit, Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program located in Burlington’s South End. We serve a close-knit, multi-age group of 17 children (ages 2–5) and are seeking a dedicated, full-time (40 hours/week) teacher to join our passionate and collaborative team.
Who You Are: You have a deep love for working with young children and a strong understanding of early childhood development. You value play-based, child-led learning and are excited about curriculum planning that follows children’s interests. You enjoy being outdoors in all kinds of weather and believe that nature is a vital part of learning. You’re eager to build strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and co-teachers. You bring a strong work ethic, a reflective mindset, and a commitment to professional growth. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (Vermont licensure preferred) At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 2–5 Ability to lift 30 lbs as part of the daily responsibilities We welcome candidates with an Associate’s degree who are actively pursuing a Bachelor’s.
Stepping Stones
supports ongoing professional development and is committed to helping our educators grow within the field.
Duties
Design, document, and implement emergent curriculum
that nurtures children’s curiosity and supports their developmental goals, while engaging in ongoing reflection to refine practice. Build strong, respectful relationships
with children, families, and colleagues through open, compassionate communication. Bring joy and laughter into each day , fostering a positive and engaging classroom community. Ensure compliance with all licensing standards , upholding the highest levels of safety and care. Pursue ongoing professional growth , maintaining records in BFIS and a reflective portfolio to support continuous learning. Create and sustain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
where every child feels valued and respected. Maintain a well-organized and welcoming classroom and Center environment
that supports learning and exploration. Collaborate effectively within a teaching team , contributing ideas and supporting shared goals. Utilize TSG, ASQ-3, and other assessments
to thoughtfully observe, document, and evaluate children’s development twice annually. Lead Parent/Teacher conferences at least twice per year , sharing insights and collaborating with families to support each child’s growth.
Requirements
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) with ECE endorsement A joyful sense of humor and genuine passion for working with young children Demonstrated reliability and dependability 1–2 years of teaching experience or direct work with children Strong oral and written communication skills Experience in developing and implementing curriculum that supports children’s growth and learning Physical ability to actively engage with children , including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the classroom as needed Commitment to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and confidential classroom environment Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and fingerprinting Consistently reliable and collaborative team member
Nice To Haves
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain—training provided upon hire)
Benefits
Generous Paid Time Off
to support work-life balance Dedicated Paid Planning and Observation Time
built into your schedule Complimentary, freshly prepared meals provided daily Paid Professional Development
to support your growth and advancement Free Street Parking
for convenience Relaxed Dress Code
(professional attire only needed for select parent meetings)
About Us
Stepping Stones is a small, Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based preschool nestled in the heart of Burlington’s South End. We serve a mixed-age group of children ages 2–5 in a collaborative, nurturing environment with a low 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio. Rooted in respect for the whole child, our program encourages exploration, discovery, and creativity. We engage children in developing early science, literacy, and math skills while supporting the growth of a strong social-emotional foundation. Inspired by the "Hundred Languages of Children," we provide countless opportunities for expression through art, movement, storytelling, and play in a responsive and dynamic setting. Our team of dedicated early childhood educators sees themselves as facilitators of learning. Drawing from the Reggio Emilia approach, we follow an emergent curriculum where children’s interests and curiosities shape the learning journey. Rather than a rigid schedule, we offer authentic, hands-on experiences that empower children to explore real-world problems and develop meaningful solutions through play and collaboration.
Job Description Summary
Stepping Stones Children's Center
is a small, non-profit, Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood program located in Burlington’s South End. We serve a close-knit, multi-age group of 17 children (ages 2–5) and are seeking a dedicated, full-time (40 hours/week) teacher to join our passionate and collaborative team.
Who You Are: You have a deep love for working with young children and a strong understanding of early childhood development. You value play-based, child-led learning and are excited about curriculum planning that follows children’s interests. You enjoy being outdoors in all kinds of weather and believe that nature is a vital part of learning. You’re eager to build strong, respectful relationships with children, families, and co-teachers. You bring a strong work ethic, a reflective mindset, and a commitment to professional growth. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education (Vermont licensure preferred) At least 2 years of experience working with children ages 2–5 Ability to lift 30 lbs as part of the daily responsibilities We welcome candidates with an Associate’s degree who are actively pursuing a Bachelor’s.
Stepping Stones
supports ongoing professional development and is committed to helping our educators grow within the field.
Duties
Design, document, and implement emergent curriculum
that nurtures children’s curiosity and supports their developmental goals, while engaging in ongoing reflection to refine practice. Build strong, respectful relationships
with children, families, and colleagues through open, compassionate communication. Bring joy and laughter into each day , fostering a positive and engaging classroom community. Ensure compliance with all licensing standards , upholding the highest levels of safety and care. Pursue ongoing professional growth , maintaining records in BFIS and a reflective portfolio to support continuous learning. Create and sustain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
where every child feels valued and respected. Maintain a well-organized and welcoming classroom and Center environment
that supports learning and exploration. Collaborate effectively within a teaching team , contributing ideas and supporting shared goals. Utilize TSG, ASQ-3, and other assessments
to thoughtfully observe, document, and evaluate children’s development twice annually. Lead Parent/Teacher conferences at least twice per year , sharing insights and collaborating with families to support each child’s growth.
Requirements
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field) with ECE endorsement A joyful sense of humor and genuine passion for working with young children Demonstrated reliability and dependability 1–2 years of teaching experience or direct work with children Strong oral and written communication skills Experience in developing and implementing curriculum that supports children’s growth and learning Physical ability to actively engage with children , including sitting on the floor, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the classroom as needed Commitment to maintaining a safe, nurturing, and confidential classroom environment Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and fingerprinting Consistently reliable and collaborative team member
Nice To Haves
CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain—training provided upon hire)
Benefits
Generous Paid Time Off
to support work-life balance Dedicated Paid Planning and Observation Time
built into your schedule Complimentary, freshly prepared meals provided daily Paid Professional Development
to support your growth and advancement Free Street Parking
for convenience Relaxed Dress Code
(professional attire only needed for select parent meetings)
About Us
Stepping Stones is a small, Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based preschool nestled in the heart of Burlington’s South End. We serve a mixed-age group of children ages 2–5 in a collaborative, nurturing environment with a low 1:5 teacher-to-child ratio. Rooted in respect for the whole child, our program encourages exploration, discovery, and creativity. We engage children in developing early science, literacy, and math skills while supporting the growth of a strong social-emotional foundation. Inspired by the "Hundred Languages of Children," we provide countless opportunities for expression through art, movement, storytelling, and play in a responsive and dynamic setting. Our team of dedicated early childhood educators sees themselves as facilitators of learning. Drawing from the Reggio Emilia approach, we follow an emergent curriculum where children’s interests and curiosities shape the learning journey. Rather than a rigid schedule, we offer authentic, hands-on experiences that empower children to explore real-world problems and develop meaningful solutions through play and collaboration.