Company Overview – A Place to Grow, LLC
A Place to Grow, LLC is a pioneering early‑learning organization nestled on 13 acres of pristine New England woodland in Durham, New Hampshire. Our mission is to cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of nature in every child through immersive, experiential education that extends far beyond the traditional classroom walls. Recognized as the 2023 New Hampshire SBA Woman‑Owned Business of the Year and honored with the prestigious Environmental Champion Award, we are committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability at every level of our operation.
Our innovative “Nature Explore” certified outdoor classrooms provide a living laboratory where children discover math concepts while measuring garden rows, explore language skills through storytelling beneath the canopy, and develop social‑emotional intelligence as they collaborate on nature‑based projects. As a remote‑supported, flexible‑schedule employer, we empower educators to balance professional passion with personal wellbeing, offering a supportive environment where every team member can truly “grow.”
Role Overview – Early Childhood Educator / Teacher (Full‑Time, Remote‑Supported)
We are actively seeking a compassionate, enthusiastic, and adaptable Early Childhood Educator who is eager to inspire young minds in a dynamic, nature‑rich setting. This position is a full‑time role, though part‑time and substitute opportunities are also available, allowing you to select the schedule that best fits your lifestyle—whether that’s an early‑morning shift, an afternoon split shift, or a traditional full‑day schedule.
While the role is anchored at our Durham campus, we embrace a hybrid model that enables you to work remotely for planning, reporting, and professional development tasks, thereby expanding the reach and impact of our educational programs.
Key Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day
- Facilitate Experiential Learning: Design, deliver, and adapt hands‑on learning activities that integrate nature exploration, gardening, and outdoor play with early‑learning standards.
- Classroom Management: Provide attentive supervision during indoor and outdoor activities, ensure safety protocols are rigorously followed, and maintain a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere.
- Curriculum Development: Collaborate with senior educators to develop lesson plans that align with state early childhood guidelines while infusing local environmental themes.
- Family Engagement: Communicate regularly with families through newsletters, digital portals, and in‑person meetings to share children’s progress and celebrate milestones.
- Health & Safety Compliance: Complete required NH Health and Safety Training, maintain up‑to‑date First Aid and CPR certifications, and participate in routine health screenings.
- Administrative Support: Record attendance, track developmental observations, and contribute to quarterly assessment reports.
- Professional Growth: Participate in ongoing training, workshops, and peer‑learning sessions to stay current with early‑childhood best practices and environmental education trends.
- Community Stewardship: Lead or assist with school‑wide sustainability initiatives, such as composting, recycling programs, and seasonal garden projects.
Essential Qualifications – What We Require
- High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
- Passion for outdoor education and a genuine enthusiasm for working with young children in a nature‑centric environment.
- Ability to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and complete company‑funded NH Health and Safety Training.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain one within the first month of employment).
- Strong communication skills—both verbal and written—to effectively interact with children, families, and team members.
- Reliability, punctuality, and a flexible mindset to adapt to varying shift patterns and seasonal program needs.
Preferred Qualifications – Nice‑to‑Have Extras
- Prior experience in early childhood education, summer camps, or nature‑based instruction.
- Certification in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or Waldorf educational philosophies.
- Knowledge of sustainable gardening practices, wildlife identification, or environmental stewardship.
- Experience working with children of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Proficiency with digital learning platforms, child‑assessment software, or virtual classroom tools.
Skills & Competencies – The Traits of a Successful Educator
- Creativity & Innovation: Ability to transform everyday natural phenomena into engaging learning experiences.
- Patience & Empathy: Sensitivity to children’s emotional needs and the capacity to guide them through challenges with kindness.
- Organizational Ability: Manage multiple classroom activities, maintain accurate records, and meet reporting deadlines.
- Physical Stamina: Comfortable spending extended periods outdoors in varying weather conditions and engaging in light physical labor (e.g., garden upkeep).
- Team Collaboration: Work harmoniously with fellow educators, administrators, and support staff to achieve shared goals.
- Technology Literacy: Navigate online learning management systems, virtual communication tools, and basic office software.
Compensation – What You’ll Earn
We offer a competitive hourly wage ranging from $15.00 to $18.00 based on experience, qualifications, and the chosen work schedule. In addition to the base rate, you will be eligible for performance‑based bonuses, overtime pay where applicable, and a comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits & Perks – Investing in You
- Flexible Scheduling: Choose from multiple shift options—including early mornings, mid‑day, split shifts, or full‑time—to fit your personal commitments.
- Paid Training: Company‑funded First Aid, CPR, and ongoing professional development workshops.
- Free College Tuition: Tuition reimbursement for accredited early‑childhood or related degree programs.
- Three Weeks Paid Time Off: Generous vacation time to recharge and spend quality moments with family.
- 401(k) with Company Match: Secure your financial future with a competitive retirement plan.
- AAA Roadside Assistance: Travel peace of mind for those commuting to our Durham campus.
- Telehealth & Mental Health Services: 24/7 access to virtual doctors, counseling, and wellness resources at no cost.
- Families First Work Environment: A culture that prioritizes work‑life balance, parental support, and community connection.
- Career Advancement Opportunities: Clear pathways to senior teaching roles, curriculum leadership, or program coordination.
Career Growth – Your Pathway at A Place to Grow
At A Place to Grow, we believe that nurturing educators is as essential as nurturing children. Our internal promotion structure encourages you to evolve from classroom educator to curriculum specialist, lead teacher, or even site director. We provide mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities to present at regional early‑learning conferences—all designed to amplify your impact and expand your professional horizons.
Work Environment & Culture – What It’s Like to Join Our Team
Our 13‑acre campus is more than a workplace; it’s an ecosystem that inspires curiosity. Imagine greeting the day with the scent of fresh pine, guiding a group of five‑year‑olds through a butterfly garden, and ending the afternoon with a reflective story circle beneath a towering oak. The culture is collaborative, inclusive, and deeply rooted in environmental stewardship. We celebrate diversity through regular cultural appreciation days, equity workshops, and a staff handbook that outlines our commitment to respectful, bias‑free interactions.
While we cherish the beauty of our outdoor setting, we also understand the modern need for connectivity. Our remote‑support framework ensures you have reliable digital tools for lesson planning, parent communication, and professional development, all while maintaining strong ties to the physical campus community.
Application Process – Take the Next Step
If you are a motivated individual who thrives in an outdoor, experiential learning environment and is ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children, we encourage you to apply today. Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter describing your passion for nature‑based education, and any relevant certifications through the link below.
Our hiring team reviews applications on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted promptly for an initial interview. We are excited to learn how your unique experiences and enthusiasm can contribute to the vibrant tapestry of A Place to Grow.
Ready to Apply?
Click the button below to begin your journey with us. We look forward to welcoming you to our community of educators, explorers, and environmental champions.
Apply Now