Nature Based Toddler Teacher

Nature Based Toddler Teacher at River Branch Community School in Waterbury, Vermont, United States Job Description River Branch Community School is seeking a passionate, creative, nature-loving educator to join our small but vibrant community. At RBCS, we recognize the vital role early childhood educators play in fostering a healthy, thriving, and culturally rich society. Our days are spent outdoors, exploring all that Vermont's landscape has to offer—flowering meadows, fruiting trees, thick, gooey mud, rhythmic rain, deep snowy drifts, and the subtle signs of deer and rabbits moving through the fields. This natural environment serves as the foundation for how we support children in making sense of the world around them. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing educational environment where children are encouraged to take risks, wonder, and build meaningful relationships with peers, educators, and the natural world. Our work with children is grounded in the belief that all young learners are competent, capable, and deeply inquisitive. Through play-based learning and hands-on investigation, we support each child's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. If this approach resonates with you and you're looking for a workplace that nurtures both your personal passions and professional growth, RBCS may be a great fit. We are committed to supporting our educators and families by promoting a healthy work-life balance, respecting individual autonomy, and fostering a collaborative approach to education. Duties

Lead Toddler Teacher Responsibilities:

Design and implement a responsive, play-based curriculum rooted in nature and aligned with toddler development Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that supports exploration both indoors and outdoors in all seasons Build strong, attuned relationships with toddlers, supporting emotional regulation, early communication, and social development Lead daily rhythms and routines (meals, rest, toiletingdiapering, transitions) with consistency, patience, and respect Supervise and mentor assistant teachers, modeling best practices and supporting a cohesive classroom team Observe, document, and assess children's development to inform individualized care and curriculum planning Partner with families through regular communication, conferences, and shared goal-setting Support toddlers in developing independence and self-help skills in a respectful, developmentally appropriate way Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and program policies Maintain an organized, well-prepared classroom and outdoor learning space Participate in staff meetings, reflective practice, and ongoing professional development Contribute to a collaborative, respectful school culture that values flexibility, communication, and shared responsibility Requirements Must meet Vermont Child Development Division (CDD) qualifications for a Teacher or Teacher Associate (or higher) in a center-based program, as defined in the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations. Meet qualifications for a Teacher, including: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level IV or higher Certificate, or Bachelor's or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, or A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent Meet qualifications for a Teacher Associate, including: At least 20 years of age and a high school diploma or GED, and One of the following: Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level III Certificate, or Associate degree in Early Childhood, ChildHuman Development, Elementary Education, or Child & Family Services plus at least 12 months experience, or Completion of a Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program, or Community College of Vermont Child Care Certificate plus 12 months experience, or Completion of at least 21 college credits in early childhood or related field plus 12 months experience Minimum of 1 year experience working with toddlers (ages 13-35 months) in a group setting Completion and clearance of all required background checks (criminal history, child abuse registry, fingerprinting) prior to working independently with children Current (or willingness to obtain within required timeframe): Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification Training in emergency preparedness, injury prevention, and child safety Commitment to ongoing professional development in accordance with CDD training requirements, including participation in an Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP) Demonstrated knowledge of child development, especially toddler social-emotional development, attachment, and early communication Ability to maintain active supervision of children at all times, including during outdoor exploration in varied terrain and weather conditions Working knowledge of Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations, including health and safety standards and appropriate caregiving practices (diapering, feeding, rest, and responsive caregiving) Physical ability to: Work outdoors daily in all seasons (rain, snow, uneven terrain) Lift and carry young children (typically up to 50 lbs) Engage in active play, hiking, and nature-based exploration Experience (or strong interest) in nature-based or outdoor early childhood education, including risk-taking, seasonal curriculum, and emergent learning Ability to lead a classroom team, mentor assistants, and collaborate effectively with colleagues Strong communication skills and ability to build respectful, trusting relationships with families Commitment to anti-bias, culturally responsive, and relationship-centered teaching practices Alignment with RBCS values: curiosity, respect for the natural world, collaboration, flexibility, and a belief in children as capable learners We are a close-knit, supportive community of educators who value one another and the work we do. We look forward to meeting you! and