Educator Resources
for Early Childhood EducatorsEducator Spotlight
This quarterly spotlight recognizes an outstanding early educator whose dedication and passion positively influence the growth and development of our littlest learners. Thank you to our early educators for going above and beyond to nurture and inspire young children daily!
Kristy Cook
“I entered into Early Education because I was very interested in being able to learn and grow alongside children as they learn about the world, even as young as 6 weeks old. Early education is so important and has a lifelong impact on children’s learning, which builds the foundation for lifelong success, and I wanted to be a part of this beautiful process to help shape young minds.”
Kristy is a native to Boone, and graduated from Caldwell Community College in 2019 with an associate’s degree in Arts. She then graduated from Appalachian State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Secondary Academic Concentration in Psychology. She loves being a guest speaker in child development classes to share her experiences with future educators!
In her free time, Kristy enjoys spending time with her dog, cat, and a good book. She especially enjoys visiting Disney World!
Favorite Quote
“It’s not about what you teach, it’s about how you make them feel while they learn.”
Early Educator
Job Board
It takes a big heart to help shape little minds!
Available Jobs:
Greenway Baptist Child Development Center
Position: Floater (Full Time)
Compensation: $12-16/hr based on experience and education
Qualifications:
- 18 years old
- Literate
- Early Childhood Education experience and training is a plus
- 2-year degree preferred
Responsibilities:
- Covering morning, lunch, & afternoon breaks for classroom teachers and assistants
- Covering staff absences, assuming the role of absent staff member and carrying out the daily duties of said role
- Assisting staff as needed in infant through pre-k classrooms (handwashing/toileting/diapering routines, preparation of lunch plates to be delivered to classrooms, etc)
Contact information:
Lorrie Looper – 828-264-3877 or lorrie@greenwaybaptist.com
Mountain Pathways School
Position: Pre-Primary Assistant Teacher
Compensation: $34,000/year
Qualifications:
- Prior childcare or early childhood experience preferred
- Positive, team-oriented attitude
Responsibilities:
Helping with toileting, classroom setup, supervision, and maintaining a safe & clean environment
Contact information:
Lindsay Galileo – director@mountain-pathways.org
Lucy Brock Child Development Lab
Position: Early Care & Education Teacher Assistant
Compensation: $35,360 / year
Qualifications:
- Degree in child development or related field
- Experience working in a childcare setting
Responsibilities:
The Teacher Assistant supports lead teachers in a Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environment, fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration among children. This role focuses on co-constructing learning experiences with children, supporting inquiry-based projects, and cultivating a sense of community among students, families, and staff.
Contact information: Andrea Anderson – andersonaw@appstate.edu
Watauga County Schools
Position: After School Group Leaders & Program Coordinators
Compensation: $15.07 – $18.21 an hour
Qualifications: Must be over 18 years old. Child Care or Education classes for school aged kids are a plus!
Responsibilities: To keep a group of kids safe after a regular school day in our wonderful school system.
Contact information:
Trevor Owens – 828-406-1882
App State
Child Development Center
Position: Substitute
Compensation: $15/hr
Qualifications:
- DCDEE background letter
- Reference for dependability
- Kind demeanor
Responsibilities:
- Assist lead teachers with supervision
- Supporting children’s interests and needs
Contact information:
Moriah Stegall – stegallmm@appstate.edu
Blowing Rock Academy
Position: Floater (Part Time)
Compensation: $15/hour and reduced childcare costs if needed
Qualifications:
- 18 years or older
- Must pass a background and fingerprint check
Responsibilities:
- Provide supervision between two classrooms
- Help clean the facility
- Provide a warm, safe, and nurturing environment
- Be a team player
Contact information:
Jennifer Brown – 828-295-5222 ext.5 or jbrown@tobr.us
Have a job you’d like us to post?
Click below to fill out the form!
The Children’s Council of Watauga County operates this job board as a public service to allow local legally operating childcare programs to post current job vacancies on our website. However, The Children’s Council of Watauga County makes no recommendations regarding employers or jobs referenced on the job board. Use of this job board shall be entirely at the risk of the users, and The Children’s Council of Watauga County expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect thereto. All jobs are posted at the discretion of The Children’s Council of Watauga County. We will not post jobs that appear to discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, gender, or any other category protected by law.
Additional
Resources
Resources are available to equip early educators with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
- The Children’s Council Lending Library: A library for families and early childhood professionals to borrow materials such as books, toys, activity kits, and hardware to support early learning and development and quality of the learning environment.
- TEACH NC: A variety of different scholarships to early educators who work in licensed settings in North Carolina.
- AWARD$: Education-based salary supplements to low-paid teachers and family child care providers working full-time with children from birth through age two in NC.
- CCC&TI: Local community college with an Early Childhood Education program that prepares individuals in providing quality care and education for children from infancy through middle childhood in diverse learning environments.
- NCID: Simplifies online interactions with government services by allowing the user to use one set of credentials (username and password) to access multiple services, such as the required Childcare Background Check system.
- ABCMS: Automated Background Check Management System for users to apply for and obtain a Childcare Background Check in NC.
- WORKS: Workforce Online Reporting and Knowledge System for users to collect, report and track childcare workforce information needed to support education requirements. Lists educational requirements for various childcare positions.
- Star Rated License: A system that awards licenses to childcare centers and family childcare homes based on their quality of care, with ratings ranging from one to five stars.
- NC Foundations for Early Learning and Development: A single document that describes children’s development and learning from birth to age five.
- ASU IMC: App State’s Instructional Materials Center is a model Pre-K – 12 school media center offering a variety of services for area educators, including materials available for checkout.
