Nature's Way Preschool Instructor

Nature’s Way Preschool (NWPS), part of the Austin Nature & Science Center, is a unique enrichment program that provides young children with an immersive experience into the wonders of the natural world. Children experience outdoor adventures with fun, hands-on nature and science experiences designed to connect them to the natural world while encouraging curiosity and excitement. In this nurturing and safe environment, children are motivated to take initiative, express their ideas, and solve problems. Activities include: daily hikes, animal encounters, sand and water play, and nature art.

Quality Candidates:

• Demonstrate interest in and knowledge of tenets of nature-based education, inquiry-based learning, emergent curriculum, and early childhood education standards.
• Safely facilitate and actively supervise participants ages 3-5 at all times while engaging in a variety of activities throughout the seasons and in all types of weather.
• Spend approximately 70%-80% of each class day outside in nature.
• Develop, modify, and teach early childhood program activities to accommodate various needs, abilities, and interests.
• Be punctual and consistently work assigned shifts.
• Attend all sessions of scheduled staff training and weekly staff meetings.
• Participate in guardian/teacher conferences as needed and scheduled community events.
• Serve as a role-model, exercising appropriate decision-making and boundary setting.
• Utilize effective behavior management skills including enforcing policies fairly, consistently, kindly and firmly.
• Maintain the physical space by performing classroom housekeeping and outdoor play yard management regularly.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with participants, guardians, co-workers, and supervisor.
• Work cooperatively with co-instructors and other staff.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Complete reports and forms and assist with maintaining records in accordance with City of Austin (COA) and Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) policies and procedures.
• Are willing to take a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of state-licensing mandated training per year.