Lead Nature Preschool Teacher

Support the holistic development of young children and their relationship to the natural world through joyful, hands-on, place-based, developmentally appropriate experiences that nurture the whole child and foster an emotional connection to nature. Learn more at: www.thornenaturepreschool.org

Job Purpose:
Ensure the well-being of the children in the school year preschool program and 8 weeks of summer camp. Nurture whole child development through supporting children in discovery and engaging with the emergent curriculum that arises from children’s play in nature.

Principal Responsibilities:

• As part of a team of teachers, manage daily operations and supervise children in the preschool program (8:30am-1:30pm), 5 days per week (M-F)

• Maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children utilizing nature as the organizing principle for all learning

• Collaborate with the Preschool Team in the development and implementation of daily practices and routines, as well as seasonal, place-based, emergent curricula that promote early childhood development and deep nature connection

• Observe and document children’s progress in the areas of their social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive development and communicate with parents about their child’s abilities and goals

• Communicate with parents about their child’s development and daily experiences, including the regular posting of photos and comments using the SeeSaw app and conducting parent-teacher conferences with written reports twice per school year

• Participate in family events and parent education programs • Ensure the indoor and outdoor learning environments are in good condition to support safe, engaging, rich in experience, and positive child development • Supervise aftercare at the Lafayette Preschool site 2-3 days/week (1:30-4:30 pm)

• Attend Preschool and Thorne staff meetings, training, teacher work and professional development days