Natures Way Preschool Teacher

Title: Nature’s Way Preschool Teacher

Supervisor: NWP Director

Classification: Full Time / Regular, Salary / Exempt

Schedule: M-F 8:00-4:30

Compensation: $18-20/hour depending on experience

Benefits: Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision;
Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days); 7 paid holidays off;
Paid snow days off during severe weather;
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services;
Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings;
Additional KNC specific benefits

The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.

Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.

Nature’s Way Preschool offers experiences found in child-centered programs such as discovery-based learning through play, sensory exploration, large and fine motor activity, creative expression, and developing social skills. Our 30 acres of natural areas serve as an extension of the classroom, allowing children to experience daily nature hikes and nature play through the woods and along a creek. Students spend at least half of their school session outside.

Nature’s Way Preschool is licensed by the State of Michigan. Classes are limited to 16 students and two teachers. The Preschool Teacher position is a full-time position co‑leading a preschool classroom Monday‑Friday. Responsibilities include preparing and leading classroom activities and lessons and maintaining a developmentally appropriate classroom within the philosophical guidelines of Nature’s Way Preschool to develop students’ relationship with the natural world.

The preschool teacher will report to the NWP Director and work collaboratively with other KNC staff.

• Teach and develop curriculum for Nature’s Way Preschool in conjunction with other members of the teaching team.
• Operate the classroom within the guidelines and standards of the Michigan Department of Human Services, Office of Child Licensing.
• Manage the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group.
• Interact with children to encourage positive self‑concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process.
• Develop relationships with parents, addressing concerns and celebrating achievements of the children.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills with parents through weekly classroom newsletters, parent/teacher conferences, and other school family events; some of these will require working outside regularly scheduled hours.
• Assist NWP staff with open houses and recruitment efforts for enrolling new families.
• Provide ongoing developmental assessments for enrolled children.
• Work with NWP Director and other NWP teachers to help organize field trips and family events.
• Assist with maintaining the classroom and school clean and organized.
• Attend training sessions to comply with Michigan Licensing requirements of 16 hours per year.
• Provide quality customer service representing the mission of the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
• Participate in KNC functions as appropriate, such as Maple Sugar Festival or other occasional Saturday or evening events. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Demonstrated strength in leading outdoor activities.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles and techniques of developmentally appropriate practices and the ability to implement that knowledge.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world or willingness to acquire knowledge.
• Effective communication with children, parents, and peers.
• Excellent written skills.
• Creative and high energy.
• Teamwork and initiative, as well as leadership skills.