Nature Preschool Float Teacher

Regular, Part-time, Non-Exempt Position

Options for 8 to 20 hours per week between 8:00AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday

Term position runs from August 28th, 2023 - June 7th,2024; requires occasional evening and weekends

Diversity Statement

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is for everyone. As stewards of the land, we create and foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all can nourish their need for nature. We listen to, honor, and learn from the lived experiences and feedback of all to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Providing access to environmental education and experiences in nature is essential to Dodge Nature Center and Preschool’s mission, vision, and values. As educators, we are committed to staying curious, challenging our status quo, and changing in ways that facilitate greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Program Description

Dodge Nature Preschool follows an emergent curriculum with a social-constructivist approach. Dodge Nature Preschool operates as part of the Dodge Nature Center; grounds include woodlands, prairie, ponds, wetlands, and a model farm with animals, gardening program, a greenhouse, apple orchard, maple syrup making facility, and apiary.  A state-of-the-art preschool building with three outdoor/indoor classrooms provide early childhood nature education throughout the seasons.  Class size is 18 three, four and five year olds with 3 teachers.

Responsibilities

1. Support Bunches programing by supervising & planning for preschool children indoors during meal and playtime and clean-up afterwards.
2. Assume role of assistant or lead teacher in the absence of an assistant or lead teacher.
3. Assist in the implementation of curriculum based on current best practices in early childhood education (Constructivist approach, inquiry-based learning, Reggio Emilia approach)
4. Supervise children in work and play in classroom, playground, and nature center grounds.
5. Adhere to the code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
6. Facilitate small group activities and lead whole group experiences such as reading a story.
7. Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the                                   discovery process and ask open-ended questions;
8. Keep expectations of children developmentally and individually appropriate and handle discipline issues as opportunities for learning rather than punishment for misdeeds.
9. Prepare and care for the classroom and playground including snack set-up and cleaning up kitchen area after each session, light gardening and other maintenance tasks required throughout the seasons
10. Support administrative staff with projects as assigned including data entry, filing, and others.
11. Occasionally lead parent education and volunteer opportunities.
12. Develop and maintain appropriate working relationship with other staff members and parents.
13. Play an active role in the operation of the preschool through attending team meetings, all staff meetings, and in-service training days.
14. Take part in professional development opportunities.
15. Support in all Dodge Nature Center fundraising and community events.
16. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education/certification:

Qualifies as an assistant teacher per MN Rule 3; Associate’s degree or higher in child development, early childhood education, or related field preferred. Minimum of 12 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education or a CDA Credential or working towards one.

Required Experience:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a child-centered, developmentally appropriate preschool or similar setting
• Coursework or commitment to learning about appropriate early childhood nature education practices

Skills/Abilities:

• Sensitivity to children’s learning styles and ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to communicate effectively with preschool families and staff.
• Ability to supervise children in an indoor and outdoor setting
• Ability to develop collaborative team relationships and problem solve.
• Ability to use technology to support documentation of children’s work.

Physical activities and requirements of this position:

• This position requires active participation with children up to 6 hours per day in the classroom, playground, and throughout the Nature Center.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds to waist level.

Please send cover letter and resume on or before Friday, July 28th, 2023, to:

Amy Warzybok, Preschool Director

awarzybok@dodgenaturecenter.org

Pronouns: She, Her, Hers

651-789-5275