Preschool Specialist Creekside Forest School
PRESCHOOL SPECIALIST – CREEKSIDE FOREST SCHOOL
REPORTS TO: Lead Teacher
HOURS HOURS OF POSITION: Tuesday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
STATUS: Part Time; Non-Exempt/Hourly
WAGE: $15.00/hour
The Preschool Specialist leads and supervises children at Creekside Forest School. This person prepares materials, curriculum, and facilities, as well as takes responsibility for the care and instruction of children, interacts with families, and provides support as needed to the Lead and Assistant Teachers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Teach and support a mixed-age classroom of preschool children.
- Teaches and assists with lessons that capitalize on student choice, seasonal cues, and hands-on opportunities.
- Takes responsibility for the holistic education of children enrolled. Facilitates the academic, social, emotional, mental, and physical development of children.
- Works with Creekside Forest School staff to plan, prepare, teach, and reflect on the day’s activities.
- Fosters healthy social skills among children, including conflict resolution skills and character formation, critical thinking, and manners.
- Communicates with Creekside Forest School families at pick up and drop off.
- Communicates student progress to families often and in consultation with the Lead and Assistant Teachers.
- Supports the planning and execution of Creekside Forest School family functions as needed. Unlocks and secures building appropriately during after-hours events.
- Attends training as requested and maintains certification as required by DHS. This may include Mandatory Child Abuse Reporter Training, Universal Precautions, and Essentials Child Care Pre-Service Series upon employment and additional training within the first year.
- Ensures appropriate coverage for Lunch Bunch, when offered.
- Serves as Nature Center representative in community forums as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Belief in the Nature Center and Creekside Forest School’s mission and a healthy appreciation for the outdoors.
- Believes the nature-based education model. Nurturing teacher.
- Energetic, professional demeanor, positive attitude and self-motivated.
- Highly responsible and takes initiative.
- Basic knowledge of or a commitment to learn outdoor skills, regional ecology and environmental principles.
- Adept at identifying and solving problems.
- Good oral and written communication skills and ability to share and teach information.
- Able and eager to work outdoors in good and inclement weather to accomplish program goals.
GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: Constant (67-100%) outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions. Constant (67-100%) walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing and pulling. Constant (67-100%) reaching, standing, grasping, finger dexterity. Occasionally (10-33%) sitting and standing in an office setting and viewing a computer screen. Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds occasionally (10-33%). May occasionally (10-33%) be required to travel off-site to complete duties.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Love of working and teaching young children in a nature-based, outdoor environment.
- Experience working with children or in education is highly desired.
- Ability to pass a state and federal background check.
- High-school diploma or GED required.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and provide proof of coverage and maintain personal automobile insurance coverage, including liability.
- Must maintain current certification for Iowa’s training for: mandatory reporting of child abuse, infant, child and adult CPR and infant, child, and adult first aid.
Click apply now to apply: Please send a resume and cover letter.
Salary: $15.00 hourly