Job Description

The Nature Preschool Teacher aids the Nature Preschool Lead Teacher in maintaining a developmentally appropriate classroom for children ages 3 to 5. The Nature Preschool Teacher is responsible for the implementation of the philosophy and policies of Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool under the direction and guidance of the Nature Preschool Program Administrator and Director of Outdoor Experiences. The position is employed yearly with Cleveland Metroparks for the nine-month school year and may include summer hours.

1. Assists the Lead Teacher in developing and implementing nature-based, developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities that reflect the needs of the children, the standards of early childhood education, and the mission of Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool.
2. Works with the Nature Preschool Lead Teacher to generate weekly lesson plans that focus on students’ interests.
3. Works with the Nature Preschool Administrator to ensure that high quality programming and care for students is being provided.
4. Assists with daily tasks and the individual needs of the children such as receiving and aiding in dressing and undressing for outdoor play, snack preparations, cleaning, etc. Classroom settings include both an indoor classroom and an outdoor classroom. Leads children on hikes and assists with moving children between indoor and outdoor classroom setting locations.
5. Ensures the health, safety and well-being of students through site surveys and daily check-ins with students; develops and implements on-going evaluation methods designed to aid in the creation of individualized growth plans for each student that can be shared with parents; documents the learning and development that occurs in the classroom using a variety of methods for both internal and external use; and maintains clear communications with fellow staff, interns, students, and their families to achieve common goals and avoid potential conflicts.
6. Promotes a close relationship with parents through daily, weekly, and monthly communications through conducting regular meetings, phone calls, and parent conferences; and ensures families feel that their traditions, experiences, and individual needs are reflected through all aspects of the program.
7. Participates in Cleveland Metroparks Nature Preschool staff meetings and special events to ensure connection with the rest of the staff and families.
8. Keeps direct supervisor promptly informed of key/significant issues or concerns.
9. Carries out duties and responsibilities in a safe and efficient manner to maintain a safe work environment and surrounding area for oneself, co-workers and public. Responds to hazardous situations and/or potentially unsafe conditions by taking corrective action as capable and promptly notifying supervisory personnel.
10. Updates and enhances own knowledge by involvement in continuing education for professional growth (i.e., attends relevant conferences, seminars, in-service trainings, and certification programs).
11. Presents at local, state and national conferences as an expert in the field of Nature preschool Education within Northeast Ohio.
12. Assisting with the training, coordination, and mentorship of student interns and reporting on their participation in the classroom.
13. Performs related duties as assigned or apparent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or Environmental Education combined with child development coursework. Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field required, or currently enrolled in the second year of a college credit program in early childhood development or education, or have completed a two year career- technical program in child development.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience teaching children ages three to five years of age. Certifications in Growing Up Wild, Project Learning Tree: Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood, National Association for Interpretation are preferred.
• The candidate must meet and maintain all Child Care Licensing requirements, including passing a background check, providing medical clearance, and completing all required trainings.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing outdoor programs for a preschool level audience and understanding of Early Learning Developmental Standards (ELDS).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the natural and cultural history of the region.
• Experience and comfortable taking children into nature in all weather conditions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Basic understanding of HighScope/CORAdvantage, Reggio Emilia or play-based learning.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Management skills and strong business acumen, including problem solving, vision, ability to manage multiple programs and meet deadlines, collaboration, leadership, decision making and ability to analyze diverse facts and develop clear and concise reports and recommendations.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Proficiency in software programs including all Microsoft Office programs.
• Mature professional attitude and considerable discretion, including ability to manage confidential information.
• Ability to perform with considerable independence and initiative.

Work Schedule: This preschool teacher will work 32-40 hours a week as a summer assistant teacher in our summer camp program for 6 weeks from June through the end of July. During the school year (September through May), they will have periodically scheduled days at our three preschool locations. They will also be on call as a substitute for our three preschool locations. The assistant teacher will be supported during all shifts by another member of our Nature Preschool staff.

Application Deadline: Open until filled.