Nature Preschool Assistant Teacher

Part-time (25hrs/week)

Join the Howard County Conservancy's Nature Preschool to take learning outdoors! Nature abounds with opportunities to explore environmental sciences, mathematics, engineering and art through sensorial experiences and hands-on learning. Participate in the development and implementation of our nature-based, emergent curriculum, which centers the active interests of students and seasonal changes, to foster a life-time of curiosity and love for the natural world.

The Howard County Conservancy seeks an engaged, energetic, and enthusiastic Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our team in August, 2022. Our ideal candidate has a genuine love for teaching young children, a deep personal connection to nature and is dedicated to high quality care and learning. Our environmental educators provide a safe and inclusive learning environment that encourages hands-on learning and risk taking. We are looking for an Assistant Teacher who is detail oriented, organized, and highly relational. The Assistant Teacher must take pride in participating in the nature-preschool and child-led teaching models. A willingness to be outside in a variety of weather conditions and inspire others to become passionate about nature is a must.

The Assistant Preschool Teacher will reinforce and maintain a positive learning environment that supports developmental and foundational skills, while fostering connections between children and the natural world. This position provides support in the full-day classroom, assists in supervising children in indoor and outdoor settings, participates in family events, and assists with teacher administrative tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Fingerprinting and background checks
• COVID-19 vaccination

Preferred Qualifications: 

• One year of experience in early childhood education
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid
• Basic Health and Safety training (MSDE)

(trainings may be completed once hired, costs are reimbursed)

Areas of Responsibility:

• Foster and create a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment
• Participate in the implementation of nature-based curriculum for children ages 3-5
• Support daily lesson plans directly relating to nature-based curriculum
• Encourage, engage, adventure and play with children 
• Documentation of play and discovery through writing, photo/video, and artwork
• Develop and nurture partnerships with families, communicating regularly with parents
• Support a multicultural and inclusive learning environment
• Attend on-going, annual professional development courses as required by MSDE
• Participate in the preparation of progress reports and portfolios 
• Participate in conducting parent teacher conferences
• Follow all emergency procedures and COVID-19 protocols
• Maintain a clean and safe environment in accordance with MSDE licensing and CDC guidelines

Desired Skills and Abilities

• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies or difficult situations
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles patiently and professionally
• Strong organizational skills, detail oriented
• Ability to work as part of a team
• A love for nature!

Physical Demands:

• Ability and desire to work outside in various weather conditions, year round
• Required to walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time
• Occasional climbing, balancing, kneeling and crouching.
• Frequently lift and or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds

How to apply:

Interested applicants should submit their resume to Howard County Conservancy's Nature Preschool Director, Jessica Caylor, at preschool@howardnature.org