Early Childhood Educator

Job Description

Job Description
About This Role

Are you a passionate early educator who believes children are capable, curious, and full of potential? Mary Johnson Children's Center is seeking a thoughtful educator to join our early childhood team. Whether your strengths and interests lie with infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, we strive to thoughtfully match teachers with the age group where they can thrive.

As part of our team, you will build meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues; collaborate in observing, documenting, and extending children's ideas; create engaging learning environments; and contribute to an emergent curriculum shaped by the interests and questions of children and the community.

At MJCC, we believe children learn best through play, relationships, exploration, and joyful inquiry. Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, we see children as capable participants in their own learning and believe curriculum emerges through careful listening, collaboration, and reflection. We recognize families as children's first teachers and valued partners, and we are committed to creating an inclusive community where every child and family experiences a sense of belonging.

What You'll Do

• Observe, document, and reflect on children's thinking to co-construct meaningful learning experiences through the Cycle of Inquiry.
• Build nurturing, responsive relationships that support children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being.
• Create inviting, engaging environments that encourage play, exploration, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Collaborate closely with teaching teammates to reflect, plan, problem-solve, and support one another in the daily life of the classroom.
• Develop authentic partnerships with families through everyday conversations, documentation, conferences, and ongoing communication.
• Help cultivate a classroom community where every child and family feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment while meeting licensing requirements and program policies.
• Participate in professional learning, reflective supervision, and collaborative inquiry to continually strengthen your practice and contribute to the growth of our learning community.

Requirements

• Education and experience in early childhood education, along with a genuine interest in the learning and well-being of young children.
• A strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Curiosity, flexibility, and a reflective approach to teaching and learning.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with children, families, and colleagues.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute to a positive, supportive team culture.
• Basic computer skills for communication and documentation.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and all state-required trainings.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day, including walking, standing, sitting on the floor, kneeling, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Educators spend time both indoors and outdoors in all seasons and must be able to respond quickly to children's needs in a dynamic early childhood environment.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Reggio Emilia-inspired practice, emergent curriculum, inquiry-based learning, or project work.

Experience observing and documenting children's learning.

Knowledge of Vermont licensing regulations, Universal Pre-K, Teaching Strategies GOLD, or the Cycle of Inquiry.

Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams or supporting children with diverse learning needs.

An interest in the arts, nature, music, movement, woodworking, loose parts, storytelling, or other "languages" that enrich children's learning experiences.

A commitment to ongoing learning, reflection, and collaborative professional growth.

Benefits

• A flexible $6,000 annual benefits package that can be used toward medical insurance and copays, retirement savings through a 403(b), or child care tuition.

  Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and discretionary time.

  Reduced child care tuition for employees' children.

  Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and telemedicine services to support your health and well-being.

  Ongoing professional development, reflective supervision, and opportunities to learn alongside a collaborative team.