Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool Pre-K Classroom Aid

Job Summary: 

The classroom aid will work directly with one child to support him in safe inclusion into the program. This child is incredibly smart, caring, and good at problem solving. With the right support we hope he can succeed more fully in the program in a safe and productive way. With strong boundaries and a love for children, the right candidate will build a relationship with the child and help support him for the remainder of the school year. At Wren’s Nest, we use Conscious Discipline and have a calm corner where there are tools to support self-regulation like a feelings chart, sensory toys, breathing ball, and a visual for repairing conflicts. The right candidate will be well supported by our current staff in learning and implementing these methods. 

About Willowell and Wren’s Nest:

The Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool, run by The Willowell Foundation is a licensed, center-based program serving children ages 3-5 in Bristol, Vermont. The mission of the Willowell Foundation is to cultivate healthy communities by connecting people to the arts, education, and the environment, through land-based programs. The Willowell Foundation has been a registered 501c3 since 2001 when Willowell purchased 230 acres of land in Monkton Vermont. Willowell runs numerous programs including: The Walden Project (outdoor, public high school), The Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool, New Roots Program, Pond Brook Middle School, summer camps, afterschool programs, artists residencies, and more.

Qualifications:

• At least three years experience working with children or relevant field
• Experience working in special education preferred
• A passion for and experience in outdoor education 
• Ability to handle challenging behaviors in a constructive and strength-based approach
• Experience working with young children from varying backgrounds
• An interest in working as a team to develop to support the child in goals and successful inclusion
• Ability to communicate with parents and other community partners (special educators or support staff) in a collaborative and supportive way
• The ability to adhere to and maintain strict licensing regulations, confidentiality, state credentials, and reporting requirements 
• Age 20 years or older
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks

Responsibilities Include:

• Attending the program during the hours this child attends to work as a direct one-on-one for him
• Ability to attend 2 after hours planning and IEP meetings with parents and other teachers per week
• Keeping the child and other children safe during throughout the day
• Communicating clearly with the child’s parents and other teachers to make sure we are meeting his IEP goals and supporting him to our fullest potential

Compensation and hours:

Hourly position: $25/hour. Job is 22 hours a week working directly in the classroom, plus 2 hours a week paid planning and meetings time. It includes 80 hours of paid sick/personal leave. The position runs from October 14th, 2024- the last week of June, 2025. 

Set hours are:

Wednesday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM- 2:30 PM

Friday 8:00 AM-2:30 PM 

Plus other TBD scheduled meetings and planning outside school hours

To apply, email your resume, cover letter, and three references to tasha@willowell.org 

Or call 802-453-6195