Forest Preschool Classroom Aid

Job Summary: 

The classroom aid will work directly with one child to support him in safe inclusion into the program. 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 (until Mid June). 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.

Wren’s Nest Philosophy:

Wren’s Nest employs a whole-child, immersive, sensory-based approach to learning. The program aims to foster each child’s independence and understanding of the interconnectedness of the natural world through a joyful, play-based, and emergent approach. 

Wren’s Nest creates a warm and caring place for children to embody their natural sense of awe and wonder. Children develop a deep level of comfort and love for the land and its inhabitants. Each child’s interests guide the learning process. Children at Wren’s Nest are encouraged to take personal and developmentally appropriate risks. For preschoolers this may be staying outside longer than they’re used to, holding a bug in their hands, or it may simply be walking into the woods for the first time without their trusted adult. 

Wren’s Nest works collaboratively with families to create a program that integrates each child’s academic needs and the nature- based philosophy of the program.

Our goal is to provide families with language and confidence to engage their children in a wide range of exploratory and educational outdoor activities. The learning and experiences at Wren’s Nest are intended to continue beyond the end of the school day and follow each child home and out into their communities and world.