ECE Teacher Apprentice (Entry Level)

Job Description

Job Description
About This Role

Start Your Career in Early Childhood Education with Paid Training & Mentorship!

Love working with young children and looking for an opportunity where you can learn while you earn? A Place to Grow is looking for passionate individuals to join our team as Early Childhood Apprentices.

As an apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience in the classroom while receiving direct, dedicated guidance from our skilled teaching staff and franchise owner. We invest in your future—covering 100% of your training costs and supporting you every step of the way.

Why Join Our Apprenticeship Program?

Paid Training: We cover all training expenses—no out-of-pocket costs for you.

Built-In Salary Increases: Earn predictable raises as you achieve program milestones and develop your skills.

Hands-On Mentorship: Learn directly from experienced educators who want to see you succeed.

Flexible Learning: Self-paced online coursework designed to accommodate non-traditional learners.

Multiple Career Pathways: Not ready for college? No problem. Our program supports both degree-track and non-college technical credentials to fit your personal goals.

Take the first step toward a rewarding career in education. Apply today to grow with us!

Perks & Benefits

Affordable Onsite Housing Option: A rare, highly affordable housing opportunity located directly on our beautiful property at our Durham location (ideal for an individual or couple; 1 BR is about $1000 a month).

Career Growth: Stackable apprenticeships maximize rapid growth potential

Incredible Environment: Daily access to acres of woods, trails, and gardens.

We are proud to be the 2022 NH SBA Woman-Owned Business of the Year and an Environmental Champion Award recipient. We offer an inclusive, environmentally sustainable work environment where dedicated educators can truly thrive.

What You'll Do

Multi-Age Teaching & Engagement: Work dynamically across all age groups (infants from 6 weeks through Pre-K), leading and executing hands-on, nature-based activities tailored to mixed age groups.

Daily Care & Support: Provide compassionate, individual care by supporting children through routine daily activities, transitions, and developmental milestones.

Administrative & Leadership Training: Gain real-world experience by assisting with daily business operations, program logistics, and administrative tasks alongside the director and owner.

Community & Curriculum Planning: Help design experiential learning opportunities that utilize our 20-acre grounds and connect with our resident partners at Harmony Homes.

Requirements

NH State Licensing & Position Requirements:

• Background Check & Fingerprinting: Must pass a full state and federal criminal background check and fingerprinting prior to/upon hire (100% company-paid).
• Health & Safety Training: Complete the mandatory online NH Health & Safety Orientation training (6 hours).
• First Aid & CPR Certification: Hold or obtain valid certification in Pediatric First Aid and CPR (100% company-paid).
• Health Screening: Provide a completed NH Child Care Personnel Health Form (physical exam) completed within the last 12 months (100% company paid).
• Education & Age: Minimum 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or equivalent. (College coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related fields is highly preferred).

Personal & Professional Qualities:

• Joyful & Play-Based Mindset: Excited to share the joy of learning through play and child-led discovery in a nature-focused setting.
• Adaptability & Collaboration: Comfortable working across mixed age groups (infants through Pre-K) in a close-knit, small center environment.
• Interest in Leadership: Eager to build teaching skills through mentorship.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have):

• Experience: Passion for working with young children, some experience is helpful
• Education / Credentials: None needed, we will train
• Intergenerational & Outdoor Focus: Passion for outdoor/nature-based learning or intergenerational programming.
• Leadership Interest: A desire to grow as a professional through stackable apprenticeships.

Note: Have the passion but missing a few credentials? Don't hesitate to apply! We are willing to train, support, and mentor the right candidate to help you gain your certifications and grow your career with us.

Benefits

At A Place to Grow, we believe in taking care of the educators who take care of our children. We offer a supportive, "Families First" culture paired with a robust perks and benefits package designed to invest in your personal and professional well-being:

Housing & Work-Life Balance

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Flexible Schedule
• Affordable Onsite Housing: Stable, affordable housing options located right on our 20-acre property (subject to availability).
• Generous Paid Time Off: Enjoy ~18 paid days off per year, including major holidays and dedicated vacation closures.
• Flexibility: Work schedules designed to promote work-life balance, plus up to 10 days of Unpaid Time Off (UTO) for personal needs or family emergencies.

Education & Career Growth

• Free College Tuition & Professional Development: We allocate ~$700 annually per full-time employee toward ECE college courses, CDA credentials, textbooks, and workshops—plus assistance connecting with NH grants and apprenticeship pathways!
• 100% Employer-Paid Credentials & Onboarding: We cover all costs for your required state background check, pre-employment physical, and First Aid & CPR certification/renewals.
• Clear Advancement Pathways: Structured career development aligned with the NH Early Childhood Professional Development System to help you move from teaching into leadership.

Health, Wellness & Financial Security

• 24/7 Telemedicine & Mental Health: Free, instant access to board-certified doctors for you and your immediate family via phone/video, plus 10 free mental health visits per year and prescription savings.
• 401(k) Retirement Savings: Save for your future with a 3% company match.
• Discounted Childcare Tuition: Subsidized childcare rates for your own children while you work.
• Competitive Salary: Fair, experience-based pay with annual performance and salary reviews.

Unique Extras

• Free AAA Membership: Drive with peace of mind! Every regular employee receives a fully paid annual AAA membership featuring 24/7 roadside assistance, travel discounts, and more.
• Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursed at federal rates for any work-related travel or field trip driving.