Head Infant Teacher

We’re Looking for a Head Infant Teacher!

If you have a heart for nurturing babies and supporting their earliest stages of development—this could be the perfect fit for you! Head Infant Teachers at the Y provide a warm, responsive environment where infants feel secure, build trust, and begin to explore the world around them. You’ll be part of a team that values connection, promotes curiosity, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.

Schedule and Location: This position is full-time at 40 hours/week working Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30am-5:00pm (schedule dependent) at our Burlington location at 298 College St. Burlington, VT

About Our Center: 

At the Greater Burlington YMCA, we offer a play-based, emergent curriculum driven by each child’s natural curiosity and interests. With locations in both Burlington and Winooski, our early childhood programs celebrate the unique identities of children and families, nurturing social-emotional growth through meaningful play and authentic connections. At the Y, we:

• Support Social/Emotional Growth
• Celebrate Diversity
• Foster Curiosity
• Strive to Inspire and be Inspired

What You'll Do:

• Develop and implement a curriculum that promotes cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development for young children. 
• Partner with colleagues and external providers to address individual children's needs and ensure the best learning outcomes.
• Supervise Teacher Associate, Teacher Assistant, and Classroom Assistant roles, helping set goals and providing feedback.
• Lead classroom routines and activities while maintaining an engaging and organized environment.
• Build positive relationships with families and keep them informed of their child’s progress and milestones.
• Maintain observation records for children and complete two family conferences each year.
• Oversee child safety during all activities, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment.
• Participate in field trips, swim lessons, and gym activities as part of the program.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to state childcare licensing requirements.
• Keep up with professional development and complete at least 18 hours of training each year.
• Foster the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility in everything you do.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be 20 years of age or older
• One year of experience working with children
• Ability to pass a federal background check and state fingerprinting

Must possess one of the following:

• A Vermont Early Childhood Career Level Ladder IIIIA or IIIIB Certificate
• Bachelors degree with a major concentration in Early Childhood, Child or Human Development, Elementary or Special Education with a birth to age eight focus or Child and Family Services
• Bachelor degree in any field with a successful competition of thirty college credits with an early childhood or school age focus

• A current Vermont Agency of Education teaching license with an endorsement in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, or Elementary Education. Early Childhood endorsement preferred. 
• Master’s degree in early childhood or a related field.
• Full-time experience working with children or youth in an educational, recreational, or programmatic setting, with milestones recognized at 5, 10, and 15 years.
• Coursework or certification in special education or behavioral intervention.
• 2 years of direct full-time experience in special education or behavioral intervention.
• Formal training, certification, or equivalent experience in trauma-informed care, basic specialized care, child development, social work, or a related field, including professional development or coursework in trauma-informed practices.
• Completion of DEI-specific training, coursework, or certification, with a minimum of 40 hours or the equivalent of a college course.
• Experience supervising or mentoring teachers for 2 years.

• Competitive Pay – Earn $22.00–$25.00/hour based on your experience and qualifications.
• Professional Development – Enjoy 8 in-service days dedicated to training, team meetings, and curriculum planning.
• Time Off – Get 15 paid vacation days, 6 paid holidays, and 3 weeks of Paid Time Off in your first year.
• Balanced Workload – One dedicated planning day each week.
• Y Perks – Free YMCA membership and discounts on programs and camps.
• Health Coverage – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Loan Forgiveness – Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Growth Opportunities – Ongoing professional development and career advancement.
• The City is Our Playground – Our location in the heart of Burlington means children get hands-on learning experiences exploring the waterfront, beaches, woods, and Church Street.

Salary : $22 - $25