Toddler Teacher & Assistants - Forest School

Nature- Based Toddler Teacher & Teacher Assistants

About Us

Fox Hollow Forest School is a joyful, full-time, year round, nature based school/childcare opening an exciting new location in the heart of Rutland City this fall. Our students are outside for most of the day exploring the trails, streams and forest; learning happens under every rock and down every path. With the opening of this new location, we are expanding our programs to include a class of young toddlers (12-24 months) and toddlers (25-36 months). We are looking for a lead teacher and assistants for these classrooms.

Our Teachers take the vision of a joyful nature-based program and bring it to reality each day. They do this by designing and implementing a responsive curriculum that is faithful to the forest school philosophy, conforms to the Vermont Early Learning Standards, and takes student needs and interests into consideration.

We are committed to ensuring program is available to every family who wants it regardless of schedule or financial situation; we are UPK and CCFAP approved.

Job Description

The Toddler Teacher is responsible for providing high-quality, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care and education for toddlers (ages 1-3) within a nature-based early childhood program. This role focuses on responsive caregiving, thoughtful curriculum implementation, and strong relationships with children and families. The assistant teachers work with teachers to support a consistent, safe, and enriching learning environment.

Responsibilities

Teaching & Child Development

• Provide warm, responsive, and relationship-based care for infants and toddlers
• Support children’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development through developmentally appropriate practices
• Implement daily routines and learning experiences planned in collaboration with other teaching staff
• Engage in play-based and nature-based experiences indoors and outdoors, ensuring safety and appropriateness for young children
• Support primary caregiving practices and continuity of care

Curriculum & Learning Environment

• Help prepare and maintain calm, engaging, and well-organized classroom environments
• Use observation and documentation to support individualized care and learning
• Assist in planning activities that support exploration, sensory play, language development, and early social skills
• Support smooth transitions throughout the day, including arrivals, departures, meals, rest, and outdoor time

Family Communication

• Build positive, respectful relationships with families
• Share daily information about children’s routines, milestones, and experiences as directed by program practices
• Support consistent caregiving approaches between home and school

Collaboration & Professional Practice

• Work collaboratively with other teachers and assistants as part of a cohesive team
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and reflective practice

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations and school policies
• Maintain appropriate supervision and staff-to-child ratios at all times
• Support health, safety, sanitation, and emergency procedures
• Ensure indoor and outdoor environments are safe and developmentally appropriate

Qualifications

Required for Teachers:

Meet Vermont Child Care Licensing requirements for a “Teacher,” including one of the following:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field
• Minimum of 21 college credits in Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development
• Current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Infant/Toddler)
• Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level III Certificate (or equivalent)

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field
• Experience in a licensed child care center
• Experience with curriculum planning and child assessment (e.g., TS GOLD or similar tools)
• Familiarity with Vermont STARS or QRIS systems
• Coursework or training specific to infant and toddler development (birth–3)
• Interest in or experience with nature-based or outdoor early childhood education

Desired Attributes

• Warm, patient, and attentive caregiving style
• Strong understanding of infant and toddler development
• Ability to follow routines while remaining flexible to children’s needs
• Collaborative and reflective approach to teaching
• Commitment to ongoing professional learning and high-quality early childhood practice

Hours

• Monday to Friday, year round. There is a possibility for a part time (2 day/week) toddler teacher if interested.
• Staff stagger 8 hour days between 7:45 am and 4:15pm as per individual needs and availability. One staff meeting per week runs until 4:45.
• Planning time and lunch breaks included

Salary and Benefits

• Full-time annual salary range of $40,000-$50,000,
• 4.5 weeks of paid holidays, school breaks, and inclement weather closings according to the Rutland City Schools calendar
• 15 PTO days for sick, personal or vacation
• Yearly paid professional development 2 paid PD days
• 2 full weeks of inservice either side of Summer Program
• Medical, Vision and Dental insurance
• 401k
• Opportunity for bonus / profit distribution

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Question(s):

• Tell us about your experience with nature-based, child-led education? (short answer)
• Do you have the CDD required qualifications for a Teacher in a CBCCPP program licensed to serve more than 13 children? (Refer to job description if necessary)

Experience:

• Early Childhood Education: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rutland, VT 05701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40,000 - $50,000