Nature Preschool Lead Teacher- Full Time

Essential Functions

• Independently develop lesson plans aligned with the nature-based curriculum in a way that meets state standards, is consistent with the unique needs of each child, and incorporates elements of the natural world into lessons (paid planning time is built into the work schedule).
• Prepare the classroom and outdoor learning area for class each day.
• Create a safe, nurturing environment where children can play and learn both indoors and in nature.
• Communicate with parents and outside organizations daily both face-to-face and digitally in writing. Most communication is through email and Class Dojo.
• Partner and communicate with parents as well as other departments and outside organizations, with a shared desire to provide the best care and education for their child(ren).
• Keep and maintain student records.
• Assess and document students' developmental levels, abilities, and growth semester to semester and year to year.
• Support the program's success; partner with staff and leadership to achieve goals.
• Supervise and provide instruction to the classroom aides.
• Cultivate positive relationships with nature while meeting the educational and developmental needs of the students.
• Supervise contracted, part-time, and volunteer program staff; interview, recommend pay, assign tasks, discipline; schedule, provide orientation and training, provide follow up to ensure effective delivery of programs and services, resolve problems. Assist with employee recruitment for nature-related positions.
• Attend off hour events related to, or for promotional purposes of, the preschool. Including, but not limited to, conferences, open houses, meet the teacher night. Approximately 6 (six) events per calendar year.
• Create lesson plans for, and facilitate, a 10-week Summer Preschool Program running June-August.
• Provide recommendations for operating budget to Environmental Education Program Manager in the nature preschool and related areas; ensure proper control of expenditures and efficient use of materials, equipment, and labor; recommend the purchase of materials and supplies; assess preschool programs and activities for cost efficiency and effectiveness.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints from the public; follow up with appropriate course of action; meet with representatives of the public, township, and agencies to discuss problems or questions regarding Landis Woods Nature Preschool programs, services and activities.

Related Functions

• A passion for the outdoors and for teaching.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to talk, hear and see.
• Able to stand, sit, and walk for extended periods of time and intermittently, with or without accommodation.
• Must be able to traverse park trails, with varying degrees of difficulty, at least 1.5 miles.
• Ability to supervise and engage with preschool aged students in multiple environments including in nature on trails, fields, and woodlands in all types of weather conditions.

Competencies

• Willingness to obtain knowledge of department policies, procedures, relevant state and federal laws and regulations, and local ordinances affecting Department of Education Licensed Private Non-Public Nursery schools in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Thorough knowledge of the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards Aligned System (SAS).
• Willingness to engage with parents and communicate about their student's growth and success.
• Ability to maintain student academic records.
• Knowledge of English word usage, spelling, and punctuation.
• Thorough knowledge of computer applications for the department.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduate of an approved 4- year college or university with an active Pennsylvania teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education
  • Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate must remain active and maintained by the Lead Teacher with support from the Township
• 1 year teaching experience
• Ability to meet the requirements of "Education Director" as per 22.Pa Code for Private Academic Schools Ch. 53.24 (within first year of employment)

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Education
• 3 years teaching experience
• Level II Teaching Certificate

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Willingness to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Required legal background checks
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age

www.LandisWoodsNaturePreschool.org