Turtle Island Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Lead meetings related to curriculum, pedagogy, classroom practice, and staff culture
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• Create and distribute monthly staff newsletters
• Contribute programmatic insight to strategic planning discussions

• 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)

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

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

• 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