A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.
Wonderbloom Nature Playschool is a licensed, nature-based early childhood education (ECE) program. Wonderbloom's mission is to increase child access, educator implementation, research enrichment, and advocacy engagement for nature based early childhood education. Wonderbloom is based in an urban outdoor classroom and we believe that nature nourishes the child's mind, body, and soul. We know that nature-based learning has many benefits - some of which include: increased creativity, greater impulse control, stronger immune system, reduced obesity, better psychological well-being, advanced cognitive skills, increased positive social skills, and more positive attitudes toward nature and the environment. To learn more about our organization and the work we do please visit our website at .
The ideal candidate has training in early childhood education and embodies an interest in, and passion for, nature-based learning. In addition, the candidate will have strong lesson planning skills, be self-motivated, and communicate empathetically and confidently with children, parents, and supervisors. The candidate will be organized, reliable, and impervious to the natural elements. It is important that the candidate is motivated to deal with the challenges of a start-up school and provide flexibility and innovation with the team.
Key Responsibilities:
Generate outdoor, nature-based lesson plans that reflect the values, mission and vision of the school using an Emergent Curriculum approach. Co-manage a class of 16 3-5 year olds with a ratio of 1:8 (
Educators:
Children) Manage a class of 12 2-5 year olds for Extended Care (3:30-4:30pm) with admin on site as support Provide a safe and supportive environment both indoor and outdoor. Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of lesson plans. Coordinate with Co-Teacher, Classroom Assistants, Admin Team, Substitutes & Volunteers to implement the daily schedule. Serve, supervise & support children in cleaning up after mealtimes. Supervise children during bathroom breaks (this includes assisting w/ toilet training & diapering), injury accidents, medication administration, resting/napping, and/or feeding. Strictly adhere to school's policies and procedures in conjunction with regulations set forth by the Department of Health's Child Care Licensing program. Complete at least 20 hrs/yr of additional training/professional development. (This time will be prorated depending on the date of hire.) Wonderbloom is willing to work with and support employees to seek out professional development opportunities. Set up and take down indoor and outdoor classroom Work with the team to develop the programs & curriculum. Determine individual student needs and goals and track progress. Prepare and meet with parents twice a year for formal conferences Attend weekly staff meetings (Every Friday 1:00-2:00 PM) Help with annual fundraisers, community events, open houses, etc. Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Education/Experience:
Associate degree or similar in Early Childhood Education or a related field. At least 1 year of experience teaching children ages 2-5 years old in a commercial group setting. Comfortable spending up to 5 hours per day outside, in all weather conditions. Strong planning, organizing, and management skills. Demonstrated verbal and written skills. Comfortable with word processing and other computer and internet-based programs.
Requirements:
Candidate will be required to complete the following: Pass a rigorous background check, including fingerprinting ($85; reimbursed after 90 days) Food Handler's Permit ($30; reimbursed after 90 days) Infant and Child CPR/First Aid Certification (~$110; reimbursed after 90 days) Ability to bend over and lift children.
Supervision:
This position reports to the Center Director. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a 30-day Review from start date and an Annual Review thereafter.
Salary Range and Benefits:
Starting at $17/hr (DOE) Full Time benefits: Salary is reviewed annually with a 2% cost of living raise given each year & as much as a 4% performance raise (Budget dependant). Worker's Compensation Insurance Paid Federal and State Holidays. +96 hours of PTO (prorated depending on date of hire) Option to opt in to Life, Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance. Dependent Care FSA, Medical HSA, and 401k options. 50% Tuition scholarships for full-day class for employee children. 2 children max.
To apply:
Submit resume and cover letter to admin@wonderbloom.org
Race, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statement:
Wonderbloom will not discriminate in hiring staff on the basis of race, age, gender, religion, cultural heritage, political beliefs, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. We are paying attention to marginalized voices and taking steps to combat inequality. We acknowledge that we need to actively promote anti-racism in our programs and conversations.
Pay:
From $17.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance Application Question(s): What is your favorite thing to do in nature?
