Aug 17, 2026
Job Description
The Willowell Foundation seeks a dedicated and caring individual to work as a classroom aid with a specific child at our program. This position will collaborate with a skilled teaching team, and the other aid (co-supporting the same student) to assist a child in their safe and successful inclusion in the classroom. They will work alongside other highly skilled and caring teachers, and 17 other 3-5 year olds who attend this fully outdoors program. The position is three-days-a-week for approximately 24 hours a week total, with 1 hour of paid planning time per week. Wren's Nest is a forest preschool school so the right candidate will be prepared to be outdoors all day through all weather, hiking, supporting rest time, and adapt to varying climates. This is an opportunity for someone to grow their teaching skills and expand on a passion for place-based outdoor education while offering support to a fun, energetic child who attends Wren's Nest Forest Preschool.
Job Summary:
The classroom aid will work directly with one child to support them in safe inclusion into the program. With strong boundaries and a love for children, the right candidate will build a relationship with the student and help support them for the entire school year (running with the MAUSD calendar from end of August-mid June). We use the methods of Conscious Discipline and have a "calm corner" where there are tools to support self-regulation like a feelings chart, sensory toys, a breathing ball, and visual aids for repairing conflicts. The right candidate will be well supported by our current staff in learning and implementing these methods, or come willing to learn. They will be loving and fun, but hold strong boundaries around safety, and be able to assist the child in becoming regulated during physical/emotional dysregulation.
About Willowell and Wren's Nest:
The Wren's Nest Forest Preschool, run by The Willowell Foundation is a licensed, center-based program serving children ages 3-5 in Bristol, Vermont. The mission of the Willowell Foundation is to cultivate healthy communities by connecting people to the arts, education, and the environment, through land-based programs. The Willowell Foundation has been a registered 501c3 since 2001 when Willowell purchased 230 acres of land in Monkton Vermont.
Willowell runs numerous programs including:
The Walden Project (outdoor, public high school), The Wren's Nest Forest Preschool, New Roots Program, Pond Brook Middle School, summer camps, afterschool programs, artists residencies, and more.
Wren's Nest Philosophy:
Wren's Nest employs a whole-child, immersive, sensory-based approach to learning. The program aims to foster each child's independence and understanding of the interconnectedness of the natural world through a joyful, play-based, and emergent approach.
Wren's Nest creates a warm and caring place for children to embody their natural sense of awe and wonder. Children develop a deep level of comfort and love for the land and its inhabitants. Each child's interests guide the learning process. Children at Wren's Nest are encouraged to take personal and developmentally appropriate risks. For preschoolers this may be staying outside longer than they're used to, holding a bug in their hands, or it may simply be walking into the woods for the first time without their trusted adult.
Wren's Nest works collaboratively with families to create a program that integrates each child's academic needs and the nature- based philosophy of the program.
Our goal is to provide families with language and confidence to engage their children in a wide range of exploratory and educational outdoor activities. The learning and experiences at Wren's Nest are intended to continue beyond the end of the school day and follow each child home and out into their communities and world.
Qualifications:
At least three years experience working with children or relevant field
Experience working in special education strongly preferred
A passion for and experience in outdoor education
Must be able to be outdoors for the full day in cold, rain, wind, and sun. This position is very physical and very outdoors through all elements
Ability to handle challenging behaviors in a constructive and strength-based approach
Experience working with young children from varying backgrounds
An interest in working as a team to support the child in meeting their goals and successful inclusion in the community
Ability to communicate with parents and other community partners (special educators or support staff) in a collaborative and supportive way
The ability to adhere to and maintain strict licensing regulations, confidentiality, state credentials, and reporting requirements
Age 20 years or older
Ability to successfully complete required background checks
Please note: Our team thrives on diverse experiences, a love for children, and a strong work ethic. If you are a fast learner who brings a love for the outdoors and a desire to learn about child development and social emotional support, we invite you to apply, regardless of whether you meet all the criteria listed above.
Responsibilities Include:
This is a shared position with an aid who worked with this child the year prior. This position is three days per week, working as a direct one-on-one for the child (approximately 24 hours per week, with some paid planning time)
Ability to attend occasional after hours paid planning and IEP meetings with parents and other teachers per week
Keeping the child and other children safe throughout the day
Communicating clearly with the child's parents and other teachers to make sure we are meeting the child's IEP goals and supporting them to our fullest potential
Helping with some personal care and bathrooming.
Compensation and hours:
Hourly position: $28-$30/hour. Job is 3 days per week, 8 hours per day. With 1 hour per week reserved for paid planning and meeting with the child's support team/parents/teachers, as well as applicable training.
This is a shared position with a returning classroom aid who worked with this child last school year.
Position includes four weeks of paid time off to be taken at your own accord, as needed for medical or personal leave. Position begins the week of August 17th and runs until mid June, 2027, following the MAUSD school calendar for vacations and snow days.
To apply, email your resume/cover letter/references to tasha@willowell.org
Or call 802-453-6195
