Early Childhood Educator

Nature-based Early Childhood Educator

Wonderbloom Nature Playschool is a licensed, nature-based early childhood education (ECE) program. 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. Wonderbloom is based in an urban outdoor classroom and we believe that nature nourishes the child’s mind, body, and soul. www.wonderbloom.org

Starting Date:

ASAP - Start Date June 3, 2024
Full-time (40 hours/week),M-F 8:00am-4:00pm

or Part-time (20 hours/week), M-F 8:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-4:00pm

Ideal Candidate:

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 3-5 years old and provide a safe and supportive environment both indoor and outdoor.
• Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of lesson plans.
• Coordinate with Co-Teacher and Parent Volunteers to implement the daily schedule.
• Plan, prep, serve, and clean up snacks.
• Supervise children during bathroom breaks, injury accidents, medication administration, 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.
• Set up and take down indoor and outdoor classroom
• Work with the team to develop the programs.
• Determine individual student needs and goals and track progress.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Help with annual fundraisers and annual open houses.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Associate degree or similar in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience teaching children ages 2-5.5 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:
• A rigorous background check, including fingerprinting
• 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.

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.