Forest Preschool Co-Teacher

North Branch Nature Center has an opening for a part-time Forest Preschool (FPS) Co-teacher to join our education team. At Forest Preschool, we spend 40-100% of the school day learning and playing outside in rain, shine, or snow, except in extreme weather conditions. The Forest Preschool Co-teacher works collaboratively with the FPS Lead Teacher and FPS Director tofacilitate child-centered play and learning with nature. The FPS Co-teacher will promote best practices of a nature-based early childhood program at NBNC. 

Applications Due: Open until filled

Compensation: $19/hour.
Hours: 24 hours/week with the potential to grow in the future.
Benefits: includes paid sick time, earned time off, and a retirement plan.
Reports to: Forest Preschool Director.
The School Year: The start date is August 16, 2022. We roughly follow the Montpelier/Roxbury school calendar.
Work Schedule: The hours for this position will include 3 full days per week (8 am - 4 pm)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the FPS teaching team to prepare the learning environment for the day.
• Support children through transitions including dressing for outdoor play, using the bathroom and handwashing, and during drop-off and pick-up times.
• 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.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Observe and document student learning.
• Contribute to the preparation for parent-teacher conferences.
• Participate in weekly debriefs with the FPS team, focused on students, curriculum, and reflection.

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.

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. 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.

Learn more about Forest Preschool: NorthBranchNatureCenter.org/forest-preschool

Apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to: Arianna@NorthBranchNatureCenter.org

Position Open until Filled

How to apply:

Learn more at https://northbranchnaturecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FPS-Co-teacher-2022-JD.pdf

and apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to: Arianna@NorthBranchNatureCenter.org