Forest Preschool Aftercare Teacher

The Position: North Branch Nature Center has an opening for a part-time Forest Preschool (FPS) Aftercare teacher to join our education team. The Forest Preschool Aftercare Teacher works collaboratively with the FPS Director and FPS Teachers to facilitate child-centered play and learning with nature. Aftercare activities will include outdoor and indoor free play, snack, reading time, games, and arts and crafts. The FPS Aftercare Teacher will promote best practices of a nature-based early childhood program at NBNC. This position will include paid planning, setup, and cleanup time.

Applications Due: Open until filled

Compensation: $19/hour. 

Hours: 19 hours/week.  NBNC is open to 15-18 hours/week instead.

Benefits: If 18 or more hours/week, package includes paid sick time, earned time off and a retirement plan. 

Reports to: Forest Preschool Director.

The School Year: The ideal start date is August 16, 2022. We roughly follow the Montpelier/Roxbury school calendar.

Work Schedule: The aftercare program will run from 3:30-5:30 pm Monday-Thursday, and 12:30-5:30 pm on Friday**. The hours for this position are 3:00-6:00 pm Monday-Thursday, and 12:00-6:00 pm on Friday**. 

**We encourage applicants to specify their preferred number of hours in their application materials. We are open to adjusting the length of Friday aftercare as needed.**

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare the learning environment for the afternoon.
• Support children through transitions including dressing for outdoor play, using the bathroom and handwashing, and during pick-up time.
• Work as a team member to support all areas of whole-child development and promote a nature- and play-based approach to learning.
• Adhere to all NBNC safety protocols, and manage risk in an outdoor setting.
• Perform safety assessments both indoors and outdoors.
• Uphold NBNC’s commitment to promote justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI).
• Provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all children and families.
• Observe and document student learning.
• Communicate with families about their child’s learning and experience at aftercare.

Required Qualifications

• Meets “Teacher Associate” qualifications as specified in the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center Based Childcare and Preschool Programs.
• Holds a certificate in or is able to complete required trainings such as the Vermont Preschool Orientation training and Mandated Reporter training.
• Experience with and interest in working with young children in an outdoor environment.
• Values the role of the natural world in early education and child development.
• Is willing to teach outside in all Vermont weather conditions.
• Is First Aid and CPR certified, or is able to obtain those certifications before the school year starts on 9/6/22.

Preferred Skills and Education

• BA in Early Childhood Education or Primary Education.
• A Vermont Early Childhood Educator License.
• Wilderness First Aid certification.
• Knowledge of local Indigenous cultures and local natural history
• Experience with storytelling, singing, and nature-inspired art in daily teaching routines.
• Familiarity with NAEYC standards and Vermont Childcare Licensing Regulations.
• Familiarity with state health and safety standards for young children.
• Proficiency in outdoor skills such as fire tending, tool use, and knot tying.
• Experience performing risk benefit assessments and seasonal site assessments.
• Professionally trained  in nature-based education, place-based education, or outdoor education.
• Has experience, knowledge, or professional training in anti-bias education for early childhood settings.

About NBNC: North Branch Nature Center connects people with nature through environmental education, natural history, and community science. More than 15,000 people visit NBNC each year to be in touch with the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world, and to take part in our educational programs. Our 28-acre preserve of forest and fields is nestled in a gentle bend of the North Branch of the Winooski River, just two miles from downtown Montpelier.  We seek to impart a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world and share dynamic educational experiences with early learners.North Branch Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Moreover, as part of our commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice, we actively seek to strengthen our organization by diversifying our staff.  We encourage applications from all candidates, including people with disabilities, people who identify as LBGTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, parents, and other marginalized groups.

About Forest Preschool: Forest Preschool is guided by the idea that children need nature and learn with a sense of wonder and enthusiasm when they spend ample time in natural spaces. At Forest Preschool, children spend 40-100% of the school day learning and playing outside in rain, shine, or snow, except in extreme weather conditions. Our nature immersion program uses the landscape to support the development of the whole child using a combination of inquiry-based, play-based, emergent, and place-based learning. We empower children to be active in their own learning process by supporting each child’s unique sense of wonder and paying careful attention to personal interest. At NBNC, we encourage respect and gentle caring for nature, ourselves, and one another.

How to apply:

Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume by to: Arianna@NorthBranchNatureCenter.org or visit our employment page at https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/employment/