Full-Time

Associate Teacher

Daycare

Little Sprouts

Little Sprouts

201-500 employees

Play-based early education and care

Compensation Overview

$20 - $22/hr

Merrimack, NH, USA

In Person

Associate's

Category
Education (1)

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Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
  • Commitment to sustainable education practices and environmental stewardship.
  • An active teaching certification as required by state licensing.
  • Experience teaching young children in a childcare or educational setting.
  • Knowledge of child development, curriculum design, and classroom safety standards.
  • Ability to lead classroom operations and mentor support staff.
  • Ability to move throughout the school for prolonged periods, including standing and walking for up to 75 percent of the workday.
  • Ability to transition between sitting, standing, bending, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day to engage with children and support staff.
  • Ability to safely lift, carry, and move items up to 30 pounds, including classroom materials, supplies, and occasional assistance with children’s belongings.
  • Ability to sit on the floor, engage at a child’s eye level, and participate in age-appropriate activities including light running, outdoor play supervision, and interactive learning experiences.
  • Comfort working in a dynamic, sometimes noisy environment with frequent interruptions and regular movement between indoor and outdoor spaces.
  • Ability to supervise children on playgrounds, in classrooms, hallways, entryways, and common areas.
  • Ability to respond quickly and safely in emergency situations, including evacuations, drills, and urgent classroom needs.
  • Ability to follow and model all safety procedures.
  • Completion of a background check as required by the Department of Early Education and Care.
Responsibilities
  • Design and implement daily lesson plans and learning experiences aligned with developmentally appropriate practice and sustainable education principles.
  • Lead classroom organization and routines that promote environmental responsibility, mindful material use, and stewardship habits.
  • Model best practices for the teaching team and ensure high-quality instructional delivery.
  • Supervise children during learning activities, meals, transitions, and outdoor exploration that fosters connection to nature and hands-on learning.
  • Serve as a mandated reporter in accordance with state law by recognizing, documenting, and immediately reporting suspected child abuse, neglect, or endangerment.
  • Support each child’s developmental needs, using observation and documentation to guide instruction and promote holistic growth.
  • Build strong, trusting relationships with families through consistent, professional, and sustainability-minded communication practices.
  • Lead or participate in conferences, family events, and community learning opportunities that strengthen family involvement.
  • Maintain all required certifications and participate in ongoing training, including sustainability-focused professional learning.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to strengthen classroom systems, curriculum implementation, and the school’s sustainability initiatives.
  • Coach and support Assistant Teachers in instructional practices and environmentally responsible classroom routines.
Desired Qualifications
  • An Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
  • Experience integrating sustainability, nature-based learning, or eco-conscious practices into classroom settings.
  • Specialized training in early learning curriculum, child assessment, or instructional leadership.

Little Sprouts runs a network of early education and care centers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It provides high-quality, play-based early education and childcare through experienced teachers and school leaders who deliver consistent programs across multiple locations. The centers use a play-based curriculum and follow NAEYC’s Anti-Bias Early Education framework, focusing on responsive relationships to support healthy childhood development and strong family engagement. What sets Little Sprouts apart is its award-winning track record, experienced staff, and explicit commitment to anti-bias, inclusive education across all schools. The company aims to make lasting positive differences for children and families by delivering reliable, emotionally supportive care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Lawrence, Kansas

Founded

1982

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Marlborough opened in September 2025, proving continued site expansion and demand.
  • Little Sprouts launched acquisitions outreach in 2026, signaling a roll-up growth strategy.
  • New centers accept child care assistance and target working parents, widening enrollment.

What critics are saying

  • Staffing shortages forced Little Sprouts Granby's immediate closure in October 2023.
  • Granby inspectors found medication-training and child-file violations, signaling recurring compliance fragility.
  • Persistent educator shortages can trigger site closures, damaging trust and threatening network viability.

What makes Little Sprouts unique

  • Nearly 30 Massachusetts and New Hampshire locations create dense commuter convenience.
  • Babilou acquired Little Sprouts in 2020, adding capital and operating discipline.
  • Nature-based, STEAM-focused programs and flexible scheduling differentiate Marlborough and existing sites.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Pet Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Employee Referral Bonus

Conference Attendance Budget

Professional Development Budget