Preschool Teacher

The deadline to apply for this job has passed.

Organization

Ketcha Outdoors

Job Posted

February 10, 2025

Job status

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Liz Tully

Contact Email

LTully@ketchaoutdoors.org

Contact Phone

2078838977

Deadline to Apply

Location

Scarborough, ME
United States
Farm & Forest School Preschool Teachers will design and facilitate curriculum and activities that support children in fostering an intimate connection to the natural world and local community while developing cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally. Teachers are responsible for the supervision and care of students, ensuring their safety in our outdoor preschool program. They are expected to engage parents and families throughout the year.

Summary

Job Type: Both full-time & part-time positions are available

  • Year-round, full-time assistant teaching position beginning August 25, 2025 (32 hours/week, with potential options to extend to 40 hours/week).  
  • Year-round, full-time lead teaching position beginning August 25, 2025 (40 hours/week. This position is tentative and is contingent on us hitting our new enrollment goals for the Fall 2025 school year).  

What You’ll Do: 

  • Thoughtfully design activities and materials to enhance children’s play. 
  • Lead children in outdoor, nature-based activities and learning, including hikes, ecology lessons, swimming, low ropes elements, and more.  
  • Support and manage student behaviors so that all students can engage meaningfully in learning in a calm, regulated environment.  
  • Manage risk and always stay aware of student safety, actively supervising all students in your care.  
  • Document attendance, behavior incidents, accidents/injuries, and other information as directed by your supervisor. 
  • Communicate with families and other staff about children, their day, and their needs in a positive and respectful manner. 
  • Classroom care, including organization of materials and cleaning as directed by your supervisor. 
  • Lead Teachers: Assess and document students’ growth and development, using the portfolio method as directed by the Preschool Director.  
  • Year-round teachers: Be a lifelong learner by engaging in regular professional development to expand, improve, and refine your teaching practice. 

Who We’re Looking For: 

Experienced educators or childcare workers who: 

  • Treat children as competent and capable human beings. 
  • Respect and practice curiosity about children’s interests and play. 
  • Convey joy, curiosity, and wonder outdoors in all weather (e.g. sun, rain, snow, wind, etc.) 
  • Are passionate and knowledgeable about the outdoors and nature-based learning. 
  • Have a deep understanding of early childhood development, stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs. 
  • Can think creatively and flexibly to adapt to quickly changing needs and environments. 
  • Are highly organized and detail-oriented.  
  • Have a high degree of integrity and dependability.  
  • Display initiative and proactive, solution-oriented problem-solving skills. 
  • Are able to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively with other staff while multitasking.  

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JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

Background: 

  • Pass a fingerprinting-based background check through the Maine State Department of Health & Human Services. 
  • Pass a background check, which will include the National Sex Offender Registry, that is sent to you by Ketcha Outdoors upon offer of employment. 

Education & Certifications: 

  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or similar is preferred. High School Diploma, GED, or HiSET is required.  
  • Preferred: Level 5 or higher on the MRTQ Direct Care Career Lattice 
  • You must be 18 years of age or older.  
  • First Aid/CPR Certification or willingness to get certified.  
  • Mandated reporter training certification or willingness to get certified. 

Compensation Information

Compensation: $15-23/hour, depending on your MRTQ Level and position. Full-time, year-round staff are eligible for benefits, including healthcare, short-term disability, dental, vision, and more. 

Benefits: (For Full Time Year Round Employees)

  • 80% employer-paid health insurance plan 
  • 100% employer-paid dental, vision plan and STD insurance plan 
  • 20 paid vacation days, 5 personal days and 11 paid holidays 
  • Simple IRA plan with a 3% match when criteria are met 
  • Discounts on summer camp, preschool, afterschool and vacation camp programs. 
  • Discounts on new and used bikes, bike parts, bike gear and outdoor gear