About This Role
We are seeking a collaborative, experienced, and relationship-centered PreK Staff Engagement & Programming Coordinator to support instructional quality, staff development, and the day-to-day health of our PreK program. This role combines classroom leadership, coaching, mentorship, systems coordination, and program development in service of a thriving school community grounded in trust, inclusion, and strong pedagogy.
This position is ideal for an educator and leader who enjoys both hands-on classroom support and administrative coordination, and who is passionate about building strong staff culture and sustainable educational systems.
What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities
Staff Leadership & Culture
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and support for all PreK teaching staff
- Partner with Executive Director (ED) on matters relating to PreK staff and support annual review process
- Serve as a primary point of communication for staff concerns, morale, and feedback
- Foster a collaborative, relationship-based staff culture rooted in community and trust
- Collaborate closely with Infant/Toddler Coordinator to ensure continuity between infant/toddler and PreK programming
- Participate in strategic planning conversations and support mission- and values-driven decision making
- Communicate and collaborate with the Board of Directors and relevant committees 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 teachers with pedagogy, curriculum development, parent communication, and classroom systems
- Collaborate with the ED on staffing plans, schedules, and classroom coverage
- Identify classroom and playground needs related to safety, programming, and functionality
- Ensure program quality and consistency aligned with the school’s values and pedagogical philosophy
- Coordinate summer camp programming and support summer staff hiring
Special Education & Student Support
- Coordinate with the ED to support students with special education needs
- Help ensure inclusion practices are respectful, feasible, and sustainable for staff
- Support staff access to relevant training and resources for working with diverse learners
Staffing, Recruitment & Hiring
- Lead PreK recruitment efforts in collaboration with the ED
- Develop job postings, outreach strategies, and candidate pipelines
- Conduct initial interviews and coordinate second-round interviews with ED
- Provide hiring recommendations focused on instructional quality, classroom fit, and alignment with the Turtle Island mission and vision
Onboarding & Professional Development
- Lead onboarding and orientation for new staff
- Review policies, procedures, and handbook expectations with incoming employees
- Track certifications, professional development requirements, and related documentation
- Coordinate professional development opportunities with school leadership
- Support the ED with performance management, redirective feedback, and improvement plans when needed
Staff Meetings & Communication
- Lead staff meetings focused on:
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Classroom practices
- Professional growth
- Staff morale and culture
- Create and distribute a monthly staff newsletter
- Contribute programmatic insight to strategic planning and mission-driven discussions
Systems & Documentation
- Collaborate with the ED to maintain and update the Staff Handbook
- Ensure staff practices align with licensing requirements and school policies
- Maintain current Act 166 prequalification status and yearly renewals
- Ensure curriculum alignment with Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS)
- Serve as Teaching Strategies GOLD (TSG) site administrator
- Support teachers in completing TSG reports and checkpoint requirements
- Coordinate caregiver conference scheduling with the ED and Infant/Toddler Coordinator
Board & Committee Participation
- Attend Teacher Advisory Committee meetings
- Participate in at least one board committee (encouraged)
Requirements
Ideal Qualifications
- Vermont Educator ECE license or Elementary license with an ECE endorsement required
- Experience in early childhood education and classroom leadership
- Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills
- Commitment to collaborative and relationship-centered leadership
- Knowledge of inclusive practices and child development
- Experience with curriculum planning, staff support, and program coordination
- Ability to balance administrative systems work with hands-on classroom engagement
- Familiarity with licensing standards, Act 166, and Teaching Strategies GOLD preferred
Nice To Haves
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
Benefits & Professional Support
Turtle Island Children’s Center (TICC) offers a thoughtful and supportive benefits package designed to promote staff wellness, sustainability, and professional growth.
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Retirement Plan
- Child Care Discount
- Professional Development
- 24 paid holidays and school breaks aligned closely with the Montpelier Roxbury Public School calendar
- 20 flexible paid leave days annually for illness, personal needs, or rest (prorated for part-time employees)
- Family leave to support significant life transitions and caregiving needs
- Eligible employees may choose one of the following monthly wellness benefit options:
- Direct Primary Care membership through North Branch Health, or
- $100 monthly wellness reimbursement for eligible physical or mental health services, or
- Up to $100/month toward Optima Benefits offerings, including dental, vision, life insurance, legal insurance, pet insurance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) options
- Annual staff bonus
- Access to a 403(b) retirement savings plan
- Opportunities for supplemental paid work, including before care, after care, coverage shifts, and special programming
- Support for required annual professional development hours and credential tracking
- Assistance managing IPDP and BFIS quality credential requirements
- Ongoing coaching, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities
- 50% tuition discount for children of employees
- Stocked staff kitchen with snacks, coffee, and tea
- Compassionate, nature-based educational environment centered on creativity, community, and environmental stewardship
