ECE Teacher Apprentice with Affordable Housing (Entry Level)

A Place to Grow in Durham, NH is seeking an Early Childhood Educator with some previous experience. This is the perfect next step for a passionate entry-level teacher looking to grow into a lead teacher role. You will work directly with young children while receiving hands-on mentoring and support from our highly skilled teachers and franchise owner.

• Teaching: Lead engaging, nature-based, and experiential learning activities for young children.
• Leadership: Assist with daily operational tasks, classroom compliance, and team leadership.
• Community Integration: Help facilitate intergenerational activities with Harmony Homes residents and lead outdoor exploration.

• Affordable Onsite Housing Option: A rare, highly affordable housing opportunity located directly on our beautiful property (ideal for an individual or couple).
• Career Growth: Professional mentorship to build teaching skills.
• Incredible Environment: Daily access to 20 acres of woods, trails, and gardens.

Set on over 20 acres along the Oyster River, A Place to Grow is a licensed small early childhood center offering high-quality, nature-based, experiential learning. Partnered with Harmony Homes Assisted Living, our unique community allows children to explore woods, garden, take nature walks, and build meaningful relationships with local senior residents.

We are proud to be the 2022 NH SBA Woman-Owned Business of the Year and an Environmental Champion Award recipient. We offer an inclusive, environmentally sustainable work environment where dedicated educators can truly thrive.

Multi-Age Teaching & Engagement: Work dynamically across all age groups (infants from 6 weeks through Pre-K), leading and executing hands-on, nature-based activities tailored to mixed age groups.

Daily Care & Support: Provide compassionate, individual care by supporting children through routine daily activities, transitions, and developmental milestones.

Administrative & Leadership Training: Gain real-world experience by assisting with daily business operations, program logistics, and administrative tasks alongside the director and owner.

Community & Curriculum Planning: Help design experiential learning opportunities that utilize our 20-acre grounds and connect with our resident partners at Harmony Homes.

NH State Licensing & Position Requirements:

• Background Check & Fingerprinting: Must pass a full state and federal criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to/upon hire (100% company-paid).
• Health & Safety Training: Complete the mandatory online NH Health & Safety Orientation training (6 hours).
• First Aid & CPR Certification: Hold or obtain valid certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR (100% company-paid).
• Health Screening: Provide a completed NH Child Care Personnel Health Form (physical exam) completed within the last 12 months (100% company paid).
• Education & Age: Minimum 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or equivalent. (College coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related fields is highly preferred).

Personal & Professional Qualities:

• Joyful & Play-Based Mindset: Excited to share the joy of learning through play and child-led discovery in a nature-focused setting.
• Adaptability & Collaboration: Comfortable working across mixed age groups (infants through Pre-K) in a close-knit, small center environment.
• Interest in Leadership: Eager to build teaching skills and learn the operational side of early childhood education through mentorship.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have):

• Experience: 2 years of teaching or caregiving experience in a licensed early childhood environment.
• Education / Credentials: Coursework in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development, or an active Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Intergenerational & Outdoor Focus: Prior experience with outdoor/nature-based learning or intergenerational programming.
• Leadership Interest: A desire to gain management skills and learn the business side of childcare operations.

At A Place to Grow, we believe in taking care of the educators who take care of our children. We offer a supportive, "Families First" culture paired with a robust perks and benefits package designed to invest in your personal and professional well-being:

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule
• Affordable Onsite Housing: Stable, affordable housing options located right on our 20-acre property (subject to availability).
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy ~18 paid days off per year, including major holidays and dedicated vacation closures.
• Flexibility: Work schedules designed to promote work-life balance, plus up to 10 days of Unpaid Time Off (UTO) for personal needs or family emergencies.

• Free College Tuition & Professional Development: We allocate ~$700 annually per full-time employee toward ECE college courses, CDA credentials, textbooks, and workshops—plus assistance connecting with NH grants and apprenticeship pathways!
• 100% Employer-Paid Credentials & Onboarding: We cover all costs for your required state background check, pre-employment physical, and First Aid & CPR certification/renewals.
• Clear Advancement Pathways: Structured career development aligned with the NH Early Childhood Professional Development System to help you move from teaching into leadership.

• 24/7 Telemedicine & Mental Health: Free, instant access to board-certified doctors for you and your immediate family via phone/video, plus 10 free mental health visits per year and prescription savings.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings: Save for your future with a 3% company match.
• Discounted Childcare Tuition: Subsidized childcare rates for your own children while you work.
• Competitive Salary: Fair, experience-based pay with annual performance and salary reviews.

• Free AAA Membership: Drive with peace of mind! Every regular employee receives a fully paid annual AAA membership featuring 24/7 roadside assistance, travel discounts, and more.
• Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursed at federal rates for any work-related travel or field trip driving.