Early Childhood Educator

The Children's Garden of Learning in Vail, Colorado, seeks a passionate and dedicated Teacher to join our team in June 2025. These positions are four days, 32 to 36 hours per week. The ideal candidate will be committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment for young children. As a Teacher, you will play a vital role in their early education, guiding them through meaningful learning experiences. Your ability to create engaging lesson plans, implement effective behavior management strategies, and adapt to the diverse needs of students will be key in promoting a positive and supportive learning atmosphere.

Mission Statement Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Children’s Garden of Learning partners with children, families, and the Vail Valley community to provide an inquiry-based education for young learners. Teachers and children co-construct their learning experience through observation, intentional planning, creative environments, and active exploration of materials. We aim for all students to emerge as socially capable, creative citizens who love learning.

Pay: $42,000.00 - $53,000.00 annually at four days a week

Benefits:

• 5+ Weeks of paid breaks, in addition to sick and personal time accrued
• $700 Wellness Benefit
• $500 monthly stipend from Eagle County if scheduled over 32 hours (stipulations apply)
• Discounted Ski Pass 
• Holiday Bonus
• Health Insurance 60% employer covered, Simple IRA match, and five paid professional development days
• Lionshead Parking in Vail

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement creative and developmentally appropriate lesson plans that promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth in preschool-aged children.
• Ensure the safety, well-being, and overall care of each child in the classroom.
• Utilize effective behavior management strategies to maintain a respectful and engaging classroom environment.
• Adapt activities to meet the individual needs of children, including those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive learning experience.
• Build strong relationships with students, parents, and fellow staff members through open communication and collaboration.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment that encourages learning and exploration.
• Observe, document, and assess each child's progress, providing valuable feedback to parents and caregivers.
• Plan and participate in age-appropriate activities that inspire creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience working with toddler and preschool-aged children is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of best practices in early childhood education is a plus.
• Strong skills in behavior management, classroom organization, and child development are essential.
• A passion for early childhood education and a commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment.

For more information, please contact Executive Director, Maggie Swonger, mswonger@childrensgarden-vail.com