Early Childhood Educator

The ideal candidate has training in early childhood education and/or environmental education and embodies an interest in, and passion for, nature-based learning.  In addition, the candidate will have strong lesson planning skills, be self-motivated, and communicate empathetically and confidently with children, parents, and supervisors. The candidate will be organized, reliable, and impervious to the natural elements. It is important that the candidate is motivated to deal with the challenges of a start-up school and provide flexibility and innovation with the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Generate outdoor, nature-based lesson plans that reflect the values, mission and vision of the school using an Emergent Curriculum approach.
• Co-manage a class of 16  3-5 years old  with a ratio of 1:8 (Educators: Children).
• Provide a safe and supportive environment both indoor and outdoor.
• Assess and evaluate the effectiveness of lesson plans.
• Coordinate with Co-Teacher and Parent Volunteers to implement the daily schedule.
• Serve, and clean up snacks.
• Supervise children during bathroom breaks (this includes assisting w/ toilet training & diapering), injury accidents, medication administration, resting/napping, and/or feeding.
• Strictly adhere to school’s policies and procedures in conjunction with regulations set forth by the Department of Health’s Child Care Licensing program.
• Complete at least 20 hrs/yr of additional training/professional development. (This time will be prorated depending on the date of hire.) Wonderbloom is willing to work with and support employees to seek out professional development opportunities.
• Set up and take down indoor and outdoor classroom
• Work with the  team to develop the programs & curriculum.
• Determine individual student needs and goals and track progress.
• Prepare and meet with parents twice a year for formal conferences
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Help with annual fundraisers and annual open houses.

• Other duties as assigned.

  Preferred Education/Experience:

• Associate degree or similar in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Experience teaching children ages 2-5 years old in a commercial group setting.
• Comfortable spending up to 5 hours per day outside, in all weather conditions.
• Strong planning, organizing, and management skills.
• Demonstrated verbal and written skills.

• Comfortable with word processing and other computer and internet-based programs.

  Requirements:

• Candidate will be required to complete the following:

• A rigorous background check, including fingerprinting
• 2.5 hrs of Child Care Licensing Preservice Training (online)

• Infant and Child CPR/First Aid Certification (~$110; reimbursed after 90 days)

  Ability to bend over and lift children.

  Supervision:

• This position reports to the Center Director. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a 30-day Review from start date and an Annual Review thereafter.