Ducklings Early Learning Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Early Learning Center, Inc. (ELC) is seeking a full-time infant and toddler educator to join our growing community and help shape the future of inclusive early childhood education. We are a welcoming, relationship-centered program serving 46 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, ages 6 weeks through 5 years.

As a 4-STAR, S.E.E.D. certified program we honor our legacy while embracing innovation. Founded in 1982 as the Early Learning Center at SMC, we re-opened in 2020 with renewed vision partnering with families, staff, and community members to create deep, meaningful connections. Our Board of Directors includes SMC faculty, sustaining the strong academic roots on which we were built. Now, as we expand into a new chapter, we invite educators who are energized by curiosity, inclusivity, and collaboration to join us. If you’re excited about re-imagining what early education can be, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation & Benefits

• $1,000 sign-on bonus (distributed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months)
• Vision, dental, Roth IRA through Vermont Saves, and Employee Assistance Program
• Competitive paid time off and childcare discounts
• $1,500 one-time stipend for educators who receive their Vermont teaching license

Position Highlights

• Contribute to a community that nurtures staff, families, and children
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum and positive learning experiences
• Loop with children through the Birth-to-3 program, building strong relationships with families over three years

Educators at the Early Learning Center (ELC) are trusted partners in building a safe, inclusive, and relationship-centered learning community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Uphold Vermont Licensing Regulations, safety standards, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate regularly with families through conferences, newsletters, and daily updates via childcare management software
• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate curriculum and maintain engaging play environments.
• Support diversity and inclusion, honoring each child’s individuality.
• Pursue ongoing professional development (15 hours annually) and maintain CPR/first aid certification.
• Collaborate with colleagues through staff meetings, training, and reflective practice.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list. The scope of the job may evolve as our community grows and new opportunities arise.

Commitment to Equity

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, place of birth, veteran status, age, or national origin.

Educators must meet the minimum qualifications and training outlined in the Vermont State Early Childhood Program Licensing Regulations.

In addition, candidates should have:

• Certificate/Credential or degree in Early Childhood Education (Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s) or equivalent experience/training, preferably with additional ECE credits
• Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Satisfactory fingerprinted background check

Additional Skills

• Strong oral and written communication, including technology skills
• Ability to collaborate with staff, children, and families in a team-centered environment
• Solid understanding of child development and early childhood education practices
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

While not required, the following would be wonderful assets:

• Experience with inclusive, neuroaffirming, or anti-bias curricula
• Background in a play-based approach to early education
• Skills in sensory-rich or nature-based learning environments
• Familiarity with reflective supervision or coaching practices
• Additional certifications (e.g., Child Development Associate, trauma-informed care)
• Comfort with creative documentation tools (photos, portfolios, digital storytelling)
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities to support diverse families

At the Early Learning Center (ELC), we care for our educators as much as we care for our children.

We are proud to offer:

• $1,000 sign-on bonus (distributed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months)
• Vision and dental coverage
• Roth IRA through Vermont Saves and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Competitive paid time off, including many holidays and your birthday, and childcare discounts
• $1,500 stipend for educators who receive their teaching license
• Ongoing professional development opportunities and reflective coaching
• A supportive, values-driven community where your growth matters
• Support and professional development through Seed and Sew

The Early Learning Center (ELC) is a non-profit early childhood program created in partnership with families, educators, and community members. We are a fully licensed, center-based program located at Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester, providing care and education for 38 children ages 6 weeks through 5 years.

At ELC, we believe children are competent learners from birth. We value their natural curiosity and individual ideas, and we facilitate learning through a developmentally appropriate, play-based, emergent curriculum. Our center is committed to providing the very best early childhood education experience for every child and family in our care.

✨Looking Ahead✨

In early 2026, ELC will move to our new home in Williston, our 3rd and largest location in our history. This expansion represents a bold step forward, doubling our space and deepening our commitment to inclusive, neuroaffirming environments. The new building will feature exciting amenities such as a dedicated art room, sensory break room, and library, along with designated space for staff and ample classroom space.

This move is more than a change of address, it’s our opportunity to re‑imagine what early education can be, and to welcome even more families into a community built on curiosity, respect, and inclusivity.