Forest Preschool Aftercare & Robin's Nest Teacher

The FPS Aftercare and Robin’s Nest Teacher helps nurture student growth, and supports the FPS Director in family communication and FPS special events. A member of the NBNC Education Team, this position plays a supporting role in maintaining the Swallow’s Nest (the building that houses the FPS program) and the adjoining Nature Playscape through daily upkeep. Aftercare activities include outdoor and indoor free play, snack, reading time, cooking, games, and arts and crafts.

Responsibilities include:
Forest Preschool Aftercare Teaching
● Coordinate and teach FPS Aftercare lessons and activities in a part-time
teaching schedule. Much of this teaching occurs outside in all of Vermont’s weather
conditions.
● Support all areas of whole-child development and promote a nature- and
play-based approach to learning. Provide a supportive and inclusive learning
environment for all children and families. Nurture relationships with students and
their families.
● Support children through transitions including dressing for outdoor play, using
the bathroom and handwashing, and during drop-off and pick-up times.
● Communicate and collaborate with all other FPS staff and FPS families.
● Attend NBNC Education Team meetings and NBNC staff meetings as
schedule allows.

Robin’s Nest Playgroup
● Lead Robin’s Nest Playgroup, which runs weekly from 10:00-12:00 on Tuesdays from
September-December and February-June.
● Serve as a guide to young children and their parents or caregivers while exploring the
natural world.
● Plan and lead activities, stories, and songs in tune with the season, while taking time
to connect with program participants.

Management of Risk, Spaces, and Materials
● Adhere to all NBNC safety protocols, and manage risk in an outdoor setting.
● Conduct risk benefit assessments and site assessments for frequently used
outdoor learning spaces.
● Collaborate with the FPS teaching team to prepare the learning environment
for the day. Clean and maintain the Swallows Nest indoor classroom and the Nature
Playscape outdoor classroom.

Qualifications
● A passion for NBNC’s mission of Connecting People with the Natural World.
● At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One (1) or
Two (2) Certificate, or another qualification for a Teacher Assistant as required by
Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations.
● Background or coursework related to nature-based early childhood education and/or
environmental education.
● Experience leading and teaching students aged 3 to 6 in an outdoor nature-based
program in all types of weather.
● Experience with storytelling, singing, and incorporating nature-inspired lessons in
daily teaching routine.
● Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to high professional ethical
standards.
● Commitment to professional development in equity, inclusion and justice; values
diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
● Completion of both the Mandated Reporter Training and Vermont Preschool
Orientation Training.
● Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR
● Proof of “up to date” COVID-19 vaccination is required for this position. Per CDC
recommendations, boosters are required for immunization to be considered “up to
date.” Exemptions will be considered by the Executive Director only in special
circumstances.

Compensation and Benefits: Hourly at $20/hour. Benefits package includes paid time off,
paid sick time, paid personal days, a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan, NBNC program fee
waivers, and pro deals.

Work Schedule: Part-time, late August to mid-June, at 26 hours per week with Robin’s Nest
and 22 hours per week without Robin’s Nest. Weekly Aftercare schedule is 2:00 - 6pm
Monday to Thursday; 12:00 - 6pm on Friday (co-teaching after lunch as well as leading
Aftercare on Fridays). This position includes paid planning, set-up, and clean-up time.
 

Job status: Part-time, non-exempt, school year position.
Reports to: FPS Director.
Start date: August 26, 2024.
Position will remain open until filled. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume,
and contact information for three references to:

Ken Benton
Director of Education
ken@northbranchnaturecenter.org
North Branch Nature Center
713 Elm Street
Montpelier, VT 05602
(802) 229-6206
www.northbranchnaturecenter.or