Dodge Nature Preschool Assistant Teacher

Dodge seeks 2 assistant teachers, one full time and one part time (24 hours/week Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), to join our team starting Monday, August 31st.

The Preschool Assistant Teacher works collaboratively with the preschool team in fulfilling the school’s mission of meeting children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. Assistant teachers are part of a teaching team of three that oversee 2‑4 classroom groups of up to 20 children.

Assistant teachers supervise children with special attention to encouraging positive self‑concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process. They keep expectations of children developmentally and individually appropriate, support children during daily routines and transitions and handle discipline issues as opportunities for learning. This role is responsible for setting up and maintaining classroom supplies and supporting lead teachers in carrying out high‑quality, nature‑based early childhood curriculum.

• Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry‑based & Reggio Emilia approach.
• Support the Lead Teachers in delivering programming with special attention to nature‑based education.
• Facilitate small group activities and lead whole group experiences such as reading a story.
• Supervise children in work and play in classroom, playground, and nature center grounds.
• Adhere to the code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
• Prepare and care for the classroom and playground including snack set‑up and cleaning up kitchen and bathroom area after each session.
• Wash art materials and other equipment after class sessions, tidy centers in preparation for the next session of children and set out and pick up playground equipment.
• Provide care for classroom pets including cleaning cages, feeding, and other needs.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with co‑teachers and school administrators.
• Support Lead Teachers in maintaining an attractive, functional, appropriate learning environment that meets quality and safety standards set by Licensing and NAEYC.

• Attend monthly staff meetings, school events, and in‑service training.
• Work with Dodge Nature Center Naturalists to provide activities for the preschool children on Dodge Nature Center grounds.

• One year of experience working with young children as an Aide, Student Intern, or similar role.
• Ability to communicate clearly with parents, co‑teachers, and children.
• Ability to supervise children for up to 6 hours per day in a classroom, playground, and throughout the Nature Center grounds.
• Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, and bending.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to 6 hours per day outside in all types of weather.

• Baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited college or university, or Associate’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education, or a current Child Development Associate credential or willingness to obtain.
• Work experience in a licensed childcare center and/or NAEYC accredited program.
• Work experience or education in nature‑based education and/or the Reggio Emilia approach.