Preschool Assistant Teacher

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead Teacher for The Children's Education Center of the Islands _____________________________________________________________________________________ Employment type: Full-time, 6-8 hours per day/ 30-35 hrs per week Reports to: Executive Director of the Children's Education Center of the Island Regular hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. with aftercare flexibility 2pm-5pm

Location:

350 Casa Ybel Rd. Sanibel, FL 33957 _____________________________________________________________________________________

DESCRIPTION OF ROLE

Assistant teacher works closely with lead-teacher and children to facilitate 2 to 5 year old classrooms. Tasks include thoughtful curriculum design based on children's emergent interests, on-going reflection about and assessment of children and the nature school curriculum, and collaboration with other teachers and/or volunteers. Lead teacher will manage support staff as needed. Lead teachers set the tone for learning as engaged, enthusiastic role models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive learning atmosphere. Position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, and open dialogue about children's progress. About The Children's Education Center of the Islands The Children's Education Center of the Islands is a place created to support and connect young children, families, and teachers to their natural environment. The Children's Education Center of the Islands provides nature connection experiences as well as an exceptional early childhood education program that complies with local, state, and national standards. Our school is supporting learning for 2 years old to 5 years old for the 2025-2026 school year and summer camp programs. The goals of The Children's Education Center of the Islands are: To honor young children as independent, capable thinkers through child-directed, experiential, place-based approaches to learning; To engage in a rhythm of reflection, inquiry, observation, trial-and-error, risk-taking, perseverance, discussion, problem-solving, expression, and teamwork through a balance of emergent curriculum, intentional activities, and unstructured nature play; To offer opportunities for children to explore identity in the context of nature and the larger community, while cultivating kindness, empathy, compassion, and gratitude; and To model best practices and approaches to nature-based early childhood education

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for planning and facilitating immersive indoor/outdoor classes at for children ages 2-5 years old. This includes maintaining a safe, loving environment with safety routines that protect yet empower children. Nurture individualized needs of children while managing whole group experiences and unstructured play in nature. Set-up/break-down program spaces Collaborate with other teachers, volunteers, and /or parents. Utilize an emergent curriculum plan and 'sketch of the day' based on children's and seasonal interests. Document emergent learning processes in many formats (written documentation, photos, content for Tadpoles communication app for parents). Manage materials and equipment Participate in authentic child assessment, self-evaluation, and program evaluation. Other duties that support families, children, staff, and/or volunteers of the program may be also assigned.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

Minimum of two years working with young children preferred. Must have CDA Certification OR Early Childhood Development Credit hours through higher education preferred. Must have 40 hours of DCF mandated training (or will begin within 90 days of employment and willcomplete within six (6) months). Naturalist background with knowledge of local ecology, flora, and fauna and/or a willingness to learn preferred

MOST DESIRABLE QUALITIES

Love of children Love of nature Patient, compassionate disposition Eager to grow and learn with others

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & TRAINING

Excellent written and oral communication skills Proficient in the Tadpoles communication application or willing to learn Excited to lead outdoor programs Flexible mindset and positive attitude Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, hourly position with pay of $19-21 hour with yearly reevaluation. Daily toll stipend Paid major holidays plus vacation.

HOW TO APPLY

Please attach a cover letter, resume, and three references.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Paid time off Professional development assistance

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Early Childhood Education:

1 year (Preferred)

Childcare:

1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

CPR Certification (Preferred) Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person