Turtle Island Children's Center

Infant/Toddler Staff and Programming Coordinator

Montpelier, VT Full Time Infant / Toddler (0–2) Center-based ECE Credits Required
Salary
$24 – $30/Hr
Job Type
Full Time
Role
Infant/Toddler Specialist
Setting
Center-based
Credential
ECE Credits Required

About This Role

Turtle Island Children’s Center is seeking a collaborative, relationship-centered Infant/Toddler Staff Engagement & Programming Coordinator to support instructional quality, staff development, and the day-to-day health of our infant and toddler program. This role combines classroom leadership, coaching, mentorship, and program coordination in support of a strong, reflective, and community-centered learning environment.

Turtle Island offers a child-centered, emergent, and nature-based early childhood program grounded in play, curiosity, and relationship-based learning. Children spend significant time outdoors in all seasons, engaging in hands-on experiences that support creativity, collaboration, problem solving, and social-emotional growth. Teachers use observation and project-based learning to extend children’s interests while fostering inclusive classroom communities rooted in environmental stewardship, anti-bias education, and connection to place.


We are always accepting applications for this role.

What You'll Do

Core Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Culture

  • Provide coaching, mentorship, and support for Infant/Toddler teaching staff
  • Partner with the Executive Director (ED) on matters relating to Infant/Toddler staff and support annual review process
  • Support staff morale, communication, and collaborative culture-building
  • Work closely with PreK Coordinator to ensure continuity between infant/toddler and PreK programming
  • Participate in strategic planning and board committee collaboration as needed

Programming & Classroom Leadership

  • Spend an average of at least 60% of work time in classrooms providing hands-on support, modeling, and coverage

  • Support pedagogy, curriculum development, parent communication, and classroom systems
  • Collaborate with the ED on staffing plans, schedules, and program quality
  • Identify classroom and playground needs related to safety and programming
  • Ensure programming aligns with Turtle Island’s values and pedagogical approach

Student Support & Inclusion

  • Coordinate with the ED to support students with diverse developmental needs
  • Help ensure inclusion practices are respectful, feasible, and sustainable for staff
  • Coordinate access to training and resources related to supporting diverse learners

Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

  • Lead Infant/Toddler recruitment efforts in collaboration with the ED
  • Conduct interviews and support hiring decisions
  • Lead onboarding and orientation for new staff
  • Track certifications, professional development requirements, and related documentation

Professional Development & Systems

  • Coordinate professional development opportunities and mentorship support
  • Collaborate with the ED to maintain the Staff Handbook and licensing alignment
  • Maintain STARS alignment and support renewal processes
  • Coordinate caregiver conference scheduling with the ED and PreK Coordinator

Staff Meetings & Communication

  • Lead meetings related to curriculum, pedagogy, classroom practice, and staff culture

  • Create and distribute monthly staff newsletters
  • Contribute programmatic insight to strategic planning discussions

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in infant/toddler or early childhood education settings
  • Strong understanding of child development, relationship-based care, and emergent curriculum
  • Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting teaching staff
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
  • Commitment to inclusive, anti-bias, and community-centered educational practices
  • Ability to balance classroom support with administrative responsibilities
  • Experience with licensing requirements, STARS, professional development systems, or special education collaboration preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred (or equivalent experience and training)

Nice to Have

What We Value

We are looking for someone who:

  • Leads with empathy, flexibility, and curiosity
  • Builds trust and strong working relationships
  • Supports educators through mentorship rather than hierarchy
  • Values inclusion, collaboration, and reflective practice
  • Believes strong staff culture is essential to high-quality early childhood education

Benefits

✓ Paid Leave ✓ Sick Leave ✓ Retirement Plan ✓ Child Care Discount ✓ Professional Development ✓ 24 paid holidays and school breaks ✓ 20 flexible paid leave days annually (prorated for part-time employees) ✓ Family leave support ✓ Monthly wellness benefit options, including Direct Primary Care membership, wellness reimbursement, or Optima Benefits support ✓ Annual staff bonus ✓ 403(b) retirement savings plan ✓ Supplemental paid work opportunities ✓ Professional development and credentialing support ✓ Ongoing coaching and leadership development ✓ 50% tuition discount for children of employees ✓ Stocked kitchen with snacks, coffee, and tea ✓ Compassionate, nature-based workplace grounded in creativity, community, and environmental stewardship

Benefits & Professional Support

Turtle Island Children’s Center offers a thoughtful and supportive benefits package designed to promote staff wellness, sustainability, and professional growth, including:

Common Questions

What ECE credentials are required for this position?

This role requires some ECE Credits.

What does this position pay?

This Infant/Toddler Staff and Programming Coordinator role pays $24 to $30/Hr.

Is this full-time or part-time?

This job is Full Time.

Where is Turtle Island Children's Center located?

Turtle Island Children's Center is located at 659 Elm Street, Montpelier, VT

See other jobs at Turtle Island Children's Center
$24 – $30/Hr
Turtle Island Children's Center · Montpelier, VT
Job type Full Time
Role Infant/Toddler Specialist
Age group Infant / Toddler (0–2)
Posted Today
Reference # 180,288