NaturePlay School Assistant Instructor; Part-Time

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Job : 399

# of Openings: 1

Pay Rate: $17.50

Department: Recreation

Status: Part Time Non-exempt

Revised: 7/10/26

Position Summary:

The Nature Play School Assistant helps the Nature Play School Instructor lead nature‑oriented preschool programs at the William

F. Sherman, Jr. Interpretive Center at Lyman Woods. The Assistant works with children ages 3 to 5 during Nature Play School classes and is outside 60‑85% of the class period. The Assistant helps set up and clean up classroom materials before and after class. The position takes place on days between Monday and Friday, with potential hours between 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Instructors may work up to 15 hours a week on average, or a total of no more than 1,000 hours per year.

• Engages and interacts with Nature Play School students.
• Provides support to the Nature Play School Instructor before, during, and after class to ensure a smooth transition between activities.
• Interprets outlines and communicates in a manner that is appropriate for the program audience.
• Provides a safe and nurturing experience for all students.
• Assists with implementation of daily activities that are age appropriate and designed for student growth.
• Uses a range of teaching approaches and adapts instruction to include all children.
• Assists with preparation of materials for class projects and activities.
• Helps Nature Play School instructor maintain appropriate behavior of students during class.
• Uses center iPads to document class progress and upload photos to class album.
• Attends staff meetings, trainings and special events as scheduled by the Recreation Supervisor.
• Must have regular, consistent, and predictable attendance.
• Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Job may be modified at any time.

• Interest in working with early childhood audiences.
• Must be willing to adhere to the Nature Play and Forest School philosophies.
• 1+ years teaching/education experience in formal or informal education preferred.
• Must exhibit problem‑solving abilities, adaptability, good judgment and safety awareness.
• Must possess good communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with co‑workers and the general public.
• CPR, First Aid and AED certification or a willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of employment; the Park District provides training.

Work is generally performed in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including precipitation, poison ivy and stinging or biting insects. The employee is required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee may be frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

Employee may be required to lift up to 30 pounds.

The Downers Grove Park District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.