A Teacher Assistant assists classroom teachers by providing extra individual attention and instruction to students. Helps teachers with recordkeeping, preparation for lessons and activities and supervising students. May work with special education students, or work in a school library or computer lab; may be called teacher aide or paraprofessional.
Job description Prairie Flower Children's Center Is Hiring a
Preschool Assistant Teacher Overview:
At Prairie Flower Children's Center, we seek to nurture children's innate senses of wonder, curiosity and gratitude, and to honor their vital need for an unpressured childhood where imagination, creativity and self-discovery can bloom. For more than 25 years, we have provided children in Ames, Iowa, and beyond with a nature-based, play-based and child-led early childhood experience. At a time when parents are feeling pressure to "ready" even their toddlers and preschoolers for future school and college careers, Prairie Flower Children's Center is fiercely committed to protecting the simplicity and wonderment of early childhood. We believe all children have the inherent capacity and desire to learn through play, deep connection to nature and place and a curriculum that nurtures their minds, bodies and spirits. Our Programs We offer a range of early childhood programs, including year-round morning-only or full-time preschool and mixed-age kindergarten for children ages 3.5-6; after-school programs and summer camps for children ages 5-12; and a parent-child playgroup for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers. We also hold occasional community festivals for families to strengthen ties and celebrate our shared connection to seasonal rhythms. We are located at 1517 Northwestern Ave. in central Ames, which isn't a far walk from nearby woods. We rent two classrooms from (but are otherwise not affiliated with) Bethesda Lutheran Church. Job Description We are seeking a preschool assistant teacher who believes in the importance of unpressured childhood to help support all facets of our preschool programs. In this role, you'll help supervise and guide children both in the classroom and during our woodland explorations, and assist with daily setup and cleanup for the program. If you enjoy working with children, this position is a unique opportunity to gain experience with nature-based education and forest school philosophy while nurturing young children during a vital phase of their growth. The hours needed are 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Monday-Friday . We operate year-round and prefer long-term hires. We will also consider other schedules for applicants who meet the qualifications and share a passion for our mission. Additional hours are possible between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. based on center need and qualifications of the applicant. As a preschool assistant teacher, you will: help provide care and guidance for children during the program assist with daily setup and cleanup for the program facilitate play during hikes in the nearby woods or at our on-site nature playscape supervise children during interactions and learning activities help engage and lead children in activities and explorations, both in the moment and planned with the help of the lead teacher. (The preschool uses an emergent curriculum, in which teachers observe the curiosities and interests of the kids, and plan activities for them around that.) help with snack and meal preparation develop and deepen your understanding of nature school educational philosophy Qualifications and Characteristics Diligent, dependable, self-motivated and organized Strong interpersonal and communication skills - able to communicate courteously and clearly with other teachers, children, parents and other people connected with center affairs A positive, playful and patient attitude Able to give and take constructive, respectful feedback Able to work independently and as part of a team Able to learn and adapt quickly Respect for each child's unique personality and temperament, and able or willing to learn how to lovingly mediate classroom conflicts between children while setting appropriate boundaries A commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming classroom for all children and families Able to lift at least 50 pounds and to hike nearby rugged terrain Able to be outdoors daily during all seasons (sun, rain, snow, cold down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit) First aid and CPR certification, or a willingness to get certified before starting in the job Bonus Additional Qualifications and Characteristics A degree or formal training in early childhood education, or prior experience working with young children A love of the outdoors and a positive attitude to weather in all its manifold seasonal expressions Knowledge of and belief in the principles of nature-based education, or an interest in learning more about this approach to early childhood education Talent or experience in one or more creative arts or artisanal realms, such as art, music, writing, fiber arts, dance, theater, crafting, woodworking or other area Appreciation for and commitment to Prairie Flower's mission Benefits and How to Apply This is a part-time position based in Ames, Iowa, with a pay rate of $14.00 per hour. Assistant teachers have time off during school-scheduled holiday breaks (same holidays as Ames Community School District). We offer professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance and small class sizes that allow for strong relationships with children and their families. The position reports to the Prairie Flower Children's Center director. Along with your resume, please include a message to: confirm your availability for Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm, or detail the morning hours that you are available if they do not match up exactly; and share why you are interested in the position and Prairie Flower Children's Center. Questions? If you have questions about any aspect of the position or application process, please message us. For a deeper understanding of our mission, values and what we do at Prairie Flower Children's Center, please visit www.prairieflowercc.org.
