Preschool Teacher Associate/Assistant

EJRP (Essex Junction Recreation & Parks) Preschool has a full-time opening to round out our dedicated, tenured teaching team! We are looking for a kind, knowledgeable, and spirited teacher associate or assistant in either our 3-4- or 4–5-year-old room (TBD).

We pride ourselves in maintaining a consistent, magical space and experience for the children in our community. EJRP Preschool was established in 2009 to meet the growing need for quality early education for the children in our community. This fall, the EJRP Preschool Program entered its 17th year of providing quality preschool experience right in the heart of Essex Junction. Located at the beautiful and historic Park Street School, we provide a full-day, year-round, 5-STAR, licensed preschool program.

With an established tradition of honoring the spirit of each child and a commitment to growing good humans, EJRP Preschool provides a quality, dynamic, and collaborative space where children, families, and teachers work and play alongside one another. Our program's mission is to provide quality early education that fosters the mind, body, and spirit of all children, embraces the connection between home and school, and supports our community, both local and global.

Our three classrooms are located at Park Street School, providing a unique opportunity for children to progress from one year to the next as they prepare socially, emotionally, and academically for kindergarten. We work closely with EWSD and other Early Learning Partners through ACT 166 and use TSG, VELS, Creative Curriculum, Responsive Classroom, and NCPMI to guide our emergent, play-based curriculum.

Interested persons should be hard-working, dependable team players willing to advance professionally. If this sounds like a fit, we invite you to come to see what sets us apart!

Pay & Wages

The pay rate is between $20.05 and $22.50 based on experience.

Health Insurance

• Employee Contribution: Only 5% of the premium, deducted bi-weekly from your paycheck:
• Individual: $24.28
• Couple: $48.46
• Parent & Child: $46.86
• Family: $68.22

Opt-Out Incentive (bi-weekly payment if you decline coverage):

• Individual: $368.24
• Couple: $736.47
• Parent & Child: $712.47
• Family: $1,034.74

Coverage Generosity: The City pays the first 80% of covered medical expenses.

Time Off

• Vacation: 28 days when preschool is closed
• Personal:  5 days
• Sick Leave: 18 sick days annually
• Holidays: 14 paid holidays
• Longevity: Vacation time increases with years of service

Additional Benefits (Not a comprehensive list)

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
• 100% employer-paid vision, dental, short-term disability, and life insurance
• Paid professional development
• College tuition reimbursement
• Health and wellness benefit
• Retirement plan (pension plan or defined contribution plan)

Position Responsibilities:

• Maintain state and program regulations
• Support day-to-day operations of our program
• Nurture our program’s long-term success while being mindful of our mission/vision
• Have a reliable and dependable work ethic
• Maintain classroom cleanliness and organization
• Build and implement an age-appropriate curriculum
• Communicate with families about their children
• Desire to grow as an educator and engage in professional development
• Desire to develop positive, meaningful relationships with children, families, and community members
• Ability to work as a team with co-teachers and guide teacher assistants
• Lead with an open mind and an open heart (aka foster kindness, creativity, flexibility, curiosity, and resilience)

Position Qualifications:

Teacher Associate

A teacher associate is at least twenty (20) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications:

• At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Three (3) Certificate; or
• At least an associate degree from an accredited college with a major or concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary Education, or Child and Family Services and at least twelve (12) months of experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• At least a Certificate of Completion from the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program; or
• At least a Child Care Certificate from the Community College of Vermont and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• At least successful completion of twenty-one (21) college credits with an early childhood or school-age focus and at least twelve (12) months of experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger.

Teacher Assistant

A teacher assistant is at least eighteen (18) years of age, is a high school graduate or has completed a GED, and meets one (1) of the following qualifications:

• At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One (1) or Two (2) Certificate; or
• At least a current CDA (Child Development Associate) and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• At least a State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate that emphasizes child development or early childhood education and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• At least successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals’ course or the Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger; or
• At least successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in child or human development or a three (3) college credit course for school age care and education and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger.

If you are unsure of your qualifications, please feel free to send us your resume and cover letter, and we will happily assist you in determining your qualifications. If you are working toward meeting the qualifications for this position, please let us know, as it may be possible to help the right candidate on their way!