Nature Preschool Assistant Teacher

Come join a growing nature preschool, located on an organic farm just 15 minutes north of downtown Bellingham! We are looking for an assistant teacher to join us for the 2022-2023 school year. There is potential for additional responsibilities and opportunities as we continue to grow. Co-teach 5 hour long, all outdoor classes Monday through Friday for 3-5 year olds with additional, paid team planning and prep time.  

Hours: M-F 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, plus 2 additional hours per week of planning time as a teaching team (TBD based on staff scheduling needs). Planning days will include a paid break, totaling 32.5 paid hours per week. 

Dates of Employment: August 25th, 2022 - June 30th, 2023 with the potential to continue on for the following school year. 

Roles & Responsibilities: 

Assist lead teachers in guiding children through a daily routine while building positive relationships, scaffolding their learning, and facilitating social-emotional growth. 

Support students through common challenges, including but not limited to: emotional regulation, communication, peer problem solving skills, toileting needs, etc.

Actively contribute to risk management in an outdoor preschool setting; being watchful and responsive to weather, unsafe student behaviors, hazardous plants and animals, and additional safety concerns.  

Collaborate with lead teachers on curriculum planning, reflecting on teaching practice, and goal-setting for students and as a teaching team. This will occur during the additional 2 hours of paid planning time per week, and informally each day during set up and clean up.

Participate in training, family orientation, and one-on-one family visits for one week (prior to the start of the school year). 

Play, explore, laugh, and learn alongside children in nature, in all weather, year round! 

Become an integral member of a 3 person teaching team who trust, challenge, and communicate with one another.

Provide additional support in family communication as needed (note: this will primarily be the lead teacher’s role). 

Qualifications:

Must pass a background check before interacting with the students

Previous experience working with 3-5 year olds preferred

Strong communication, collaboration, and problem solving skills

Brings patience, joy, and curiosity in working with children

Ability and desire to work outdoors for 6 hours a day- rain, cold, wind, snow, or shine!

As we are outside for long periods of time in all weather, outdoor gear is a must to stay warm and dry! Please let us know if this is a barrier for you. Depending on funding, we may be able to offer a small stipend to help get you set up with good, quality gear.

We are looking for folks who are curious and passionate about:

• Anti-racist and anti-bias teaching
• Growing and learning as an educator
• Spending time in nature 

Since we are located outside of the city, you will need your own form of transportation to get to and from the site. (Note: Biking is possible, but on the heavily trafficked county roads required to get here, a vehicle is a safer option.)

Salary & Benefits: 

$16 - $18.75/hour, depending on experience 

Approximately 27 days of paid holidays and breaks throughout the 10 month school year 

Estimated 36 additional PTO hours accrued over the course of the school year 

Paid training before the start of the school year 

Gain experience at a growing nature preschool partnered with a local, organic farm 

Possibility for additional hours based on interest and availability 

About Us: At Lichen Early Learning, our core values are community, equity, and joy. Our purpose is to cultivate an environment where children, families, and community are celebrated and valued through a holistic, nature-based learning experience. To learn more, visit our website at lichenearlylearning.org

Non-Discrimination Policy: At Lichen Early Learning, we welcome all students and families, and work everyday to cultivate an inclusive, welcoming space that is emotionally and physically safe. When recruiting and admitting students or hiring staff, we will not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, color, ethnic origin, or physical or developmental disability.

How to apply:

To Apply: Please email your resume, references, and letter of interest to [email protected] We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled.