Nature-Based Preschool Before Care Teacher

Overview: The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. The ODC Preschools are nature-based preschools operated by the ODC Network in Allegan and Ottawa County. ODC Preschools provide early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 3-5, building social emotional and academic skills within a unique natural environment with an emphasis on nature based inquiry and outdoor exploration.

Purpose: The Before Care Teacher will provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based morning care to preschool children ages 3-5 before their class session begins. The Before Care Teacher will work actively with ODC Network staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature.

Primary Responsibilities:
– Interacting with students in nature and the classroom setting, engaging students in learning activities, preparing snacks, and maintaining a safe learning environment;
– Develop and plan age-appropriate learning and enrichment activities for individual children and outdoor activities, based on nature-based curriculum and philosophy;
– Assist with organization of outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources;
– Actively participate in child-led play;
– Learn and implement social emotional skill building through the Conscious Discipline Model;
– Communicate when appropriate with families in person or via email, phone call, or Child Pilot;
– Complete daily care notes;
– Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and additional ODC Network events.

Professional Responsibilities: Maintain educational and training requirements for preschool licensing and quality program assessments.

Supervision/Evaluation: Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Preschool Site Director. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education/Experience:
– High School Diploma or GED required;
– Current Preschool CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field preferred;
– Experience working with children.

Other Skills and Abilities:
– Demonstrated interest in helping to teach and develop young children and early childhood education;
– Interest in nature and being outdoors;
– Willingness to spend time outdoors each day, in all types of weather;
– Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences;
– Demonstrated ability to work in a team;
– Must pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting;
– Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR, training will be provided if needed.
– Bilingual English speakers are highly encouraged to apply.

To learn more about the job posting, and for a link to apply, please visit our website: https://outdoordiscovery.org/before-care-teacher/