Pre-school Teacher and Environmental Educator

This teaching position is a part-time, non-exempt position working weekdays during the school year (early September – mid June).  The schedule may include mornings and/or afternoons, generally between the hours of 8:45am – 3:30pm. Teachers can work as few as four hours per week or as many as twenty-five.  This is a great opportunity for educators who have a passion for nature and love sharing its wonders with children. 

Responsibilities:

• Work with co-teacher to prepare daily, developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on provided curriculum
• Embrace the Darien Nature Center philosophy of nature-based play and incorporate these experiences into daily activities
• Convey a love and respect for the natural world.  Be willing to be outdoors in all weather, get dirty, handle animals, and engage deeply in nature
• Utilize available materials, artifacts and live animals to enhance experience
• Assume responsibility for the care and safety of all children enrolled in designated class
• Communicate with parents regularly
• Keep classroom materials clean and organized
• Follow all health and safety protocols
• Report to the Program Director any concerns or challenges
• Attend and participate in regular staff meetings
• Additional duties as assigned
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Qualifications:

• Passion for nature and nature education
• Experience working with toddlers and/or preschoolers
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices
• Warm, loving and kind demeanor with children
• Strong work ethic and personal integrity
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing conditions
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Physical Demands:

• Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (heat, cold, rain, snow)
• Walk on rough terrain, keeping pace with the children
• Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day
• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Run for short distances
• Easily transition from sit to stand position

How to apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Emily Ciffone, Program Director
Darien Nature Center
emily@dariennaturecenter.org