Nature-Based Preschool Teacher- Part Time

OVERVIEW: Johnson Nature Center is a 40-acre nature preserve with more than 2 miles of trails, a scenic fouracre inland pond, a sugar bush, and a visitor center. Johnson Nature Center has hosted educational programming for schools and the surrounding community since 1968, including a nature-based preschool, field trips, camps, and community events. 

PRIMARY PURPOSE: The Early Childhood Instructional Guide will provide young children with high-quality, developmentally-appropriate, and positive experiential learning experiences in an outdoor, nature-based setting. The Nature Center Early Childhood guide will support classroom learning and outdoor education programs, working closely with lead teachers to facilitate hands-on experiences for young children. This position also includes the potential to assist with summer camp programs and occasional family or community events as needed. 

REPORTS TO: Tree School Coordinator/Camp Counselor 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Support the Lead Teacher in daily class operations, including supervision and engagement with children in both outdoor and indoor learning environments. 

• Help plan and lead nature-based, developmentally appropriate activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. 

• Assist with daily routines, including supporting transitions and lunch time and maintaining a clean and organized indoor and outdoor classroom environment. 

• Provide direct care to children, including responding to individual needs with warmth and attentiveness. 

• Partner with the teaching team to design and implement small group and individualized enrichment activities based on student interests and curriculum goals. 

• Actively participate in nature hikes, group experiences, and hands-on explorations.

 • Contribute to documentation of learning through daily anecdotal notes and family communications. 

• Build strong, respectful relationships with families by sharing observations, highlights from the day, and developmental progress. • Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and Johnson Nature Center events, including occasional evening or weekend commitments.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintain educational and training requirements for child care licensing and quality program assessments. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Passion for teaching and learning in the field of farm and nature-based early childhood education. • Must be at least 18 years of age. 

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred. 

• Experience working with young children (infants through age 6) in an educational or child care setting preferred.

 • Must demonstrate the ability to support a developmentally appropriate, play-based learning environment. 

• Ability to work collaboratively under the direction of the Lead Teacher to support classroom routines, outdoor learning, and child safety. 

• Must complete all MiLEAP licensing requirements

 • Must demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills with children, families, and staff. 

• Comfort working in outdoor, nature-based environments in all seasons. 

• Willingness to support occasional family and community events and assist with summer camp programs as needed. 

• Must be committed to the mission and purpose of the greater organization, site, and ECE programs. 

• Currently hold child and adult CPR/first aid or willingness to become certified.

 • Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (i.e., tractor driving, animal care, hiking, lifting up to 25- 30 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs.) 

STATUS: Part-time 

COMPENSATION: This employee will be hired by the district’s Third-Party Contractor, EDUStaff, LLC. The rate of pay will be based on the established contracted wages for the Farm/Nature Center. 

METHOD OF APPLICATION: All applicants, who want to be considered for this position, must submit an application at: https://www.applitrack.com/oaklandschools/onlineapp/jobpostings/view.asp?district=46154 

The Board of Education is committed to maintaining an educational and work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity/expression), disability, religion, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy status, or any other legally protected characteristic. The Board has therefore adopted anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment by Board members, School District employees, students, contractors, volunteers and others connected with the School District. A student, employee, or any other person who believes that a student or employee has been subjected to discrimination or harassment may seek resolution of the matter through the procedures that follow. Complaints of sexual harassment within any educational program or activity of the School District will be investigated and resolved under 8007.3-AR, as required by Title IX and its implementing regulations (“Title IX sexual harassment”). All other complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, other than Title IX sexual harassment, will be investigated and resolved under 8007.1-AR or 8007.2 AR. Inquiries related to discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the 504 Coordinator: Director of Special Education, 7273 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, (248) 341-5415. Direct all other inquiries related to discrimination to: Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, 7273 Wing Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, (248) 341-5425 CJM