What You'll Do

Core Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Culture

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and support to Infant/Toddler teaching staff to enhance their practice and confidence.
• Partner with the Executive Director to support Infant/Toddler staff and oversee the annual review process.
• Foster staff morale, communication, and collaborative culture-building through regular meetings and open dialogue.
• Work closely with the 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 to ensure high-quality programming.
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• Support pedagogy, curriculum development, parent communication, and classroom systems to create a cohesive and effective learning environment.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on staffing plans, schedules, and program quality to ensure alignment with our values and pedagogical approach.
• Identify classroom and playground needs related to safety and programming to ensure a safe and engaging environment for children.
• Ensure programming aligns with Turtle Island’s values and pedagogical approach, reflecting our commitment to child-centered, emergent, and nature-based learning.

Student Support & Inclusion

• Coordinate with the Executive Director to support students with diverse developmental needs, ensuring their inclusion and participation in all aspects of the program.
• Help ensure inclusion practices are respectful, feasible, and sustainable for staff, promoting a culture of equity and empathy.
• Coordinate access to training and resources related to supporting diverse learners, enhancing the quality of our program and promoting inclusive practices.

Recruitment, Hiring & Onboarding

• Lead Infant/Toddler recruitment efforts in collaboration with the Executive Director, ensuring a strong and diverse pool of candidates.
• Conduct interviews and support hiring decisions to select the best candidates for our team.
• Lead onboarding and orientation for new staff, ensuring a smooth transition into our community and a comprehensive understanding of our program and values.
• Track certifications, professional development requirements, and related documentation to ensure compliance and staff growth.

Professional Development & Systems

• Coordinate professional development opportunities and mentorship support to enhance staff skills and knowledge.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to maintain the Staff Handbook and ensure alignment with licensing requirements and professional development systems.
• Maintain STARS alignment and support renewal processes, ensuring compliance and a high-quality program.
• Coordinate caregiver conference scheduling with the Executive Director and PreK Coordinator, promoting communication and collaboration.

Staff Meetings & Communication

• Lead meetings related to curriculum, pedagogy, classroom practice, and staff culture, fostering open dialogue and collaboration.
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• Create and distribute monthly staff newsletters, keeping staff informed and engaged with program updates and initiatives.
• Contribute programmatic insight to strategic planning discussions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to decision-making.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in infant/toddler or early childhood education settings, with a strong understanding of child development, relationship-based care, and emergent curriculum.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting teaching staff to enhance their practice and confidence.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills, with the ability to balance classroom support with administrative responsibilities.
• Commitment to inclusive, anti-bias, and community-centered educational practices, with experience with licensing requirements, STARS, professional development systems, or special education collaboration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, or equivalent experience and training.
• Experience with curriculum development, pedagogy, and parent communication, with a strong understanding of classroom systems and safety protocols.

Nice to Have

What We Value

We are looking for someone who:

• Leads with empathy, flexibility, and curiosity, building trust and strong working relationships.
• Values inclusion, collaboration, and reflective practice, believing that strong staff culture is essential to high-quality early childhood education.
• Supports educators through mentorship rather than hierarchy, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration.
• Has experience with outdoor education, nature-based learning, and environmental stewardship, with a strong understanding of the importance of hands-on experiences and exploration.
• Is passionate about creating a sense of community and belonging among staff, children, and families, with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Benefits