Nature-Based Preschool Assistant Teacher

Overview: The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. The ODC Preschools are nature-based preschools operated by the ODC Network in Allegan and Ottawa County. ODC Preschools provide early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 3-5, building social emotional and academic skills within a unique natural environment with an emphasis on nature based inquiry and outdoor exploration.

Purpose: The Assistant Teacher will work with the Lead Teacher to design and implement developmentally appropriate high quality nature-based early childhood education for children ages 3 – 5 and work actively with ODC Network staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature.

Primary Responsibilities:
– Serve as an Assistant Teacher for assigned preschool classes;
– Interact with students in nature and the classroom setting, engage students in learning activities, prepare snacks, and maintain a safe learning environment;
– Partner with Lead Teacher and other Assistant Teachers in development and planning of age-appropriate learning activities, such as small groups/enrichment activities for individual children and outdoor activities, based on nature-based curriculum and philosophy;
– Communicate when appropriate with families in person or via email, phone call, or Child Pilot;
– Learn and implement social emotional skill building through the Conscious Discipline Model;
– Assist Lead Teacher with design and organization of outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources;
– Facilitate/lead daily small group learning activities;
– Actively participate in large group activities, nature hikes, and explorations;
– Complete daily anecdotal note taking and enter into an online system;
– Willingness to work alongside undergraduate teaching candidates;
– Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and additional ODC Network events.

Professional Responsibilities: Maintain educational and training requirements for preschool licensing and quality program assessments.

Supervision/Evaluation: Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Preschool Site Director, Director of Support Services and Teaching Colleagues. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education/Experience:
– High School Diploma or GED required;
– Current Preschool CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field preferred;
– Experience working with children.

Other Skills and Abilities:
– Demonstrated interest in young children and early childhood education;
– Interest in nature, nature-based inquiry and learning;
– Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in all types of weather;
– Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences;
– Demonstrated ability to work in a team;
– Must pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting.
– Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Training will be provided if needed;
– Bilingual English speakers are highly encouraged to apply;
– Naturalists and those with a CDA or Child Development Accreditation are highly encouraged to apply.

For more information about the position, and for a link to apply, please visit our website: https://outdoordiscovery.org/teacher-dragonflies-assistant/