Nature Preschool Teacher

Overview: Responsible for planning, organizing and implementing developmentally appropriate activities within the preschool program for children ages three to five years of age. Nature Preschool Teacher reports to the Early Childhood Program Manager and Early Childhood Program Coordinator.

• Gain knowledge and understanding of Park District policies and procedures and see that they adhere to at all times.
• Provides a safe, nurturing and positive experience for all students.
• Create and implement daily nature curriculum activities that are age appropriate and designed for the needs and growth of each individual child.
• Create lesson plans and prepare materials for class projects and activities. Submits monthly supplies requests.
• Uses a range of teaching approaches and adapts instruction to include all children.
• Conducts scheduled assessments and parent – teacher conferences.
• Uses effective, age appropriate classroom management that promotes positive relationships and creates predictability.
• Creates a safe and thoughtfully arranged classroom that facilitates classroom management. Routinely changes content material and updates bulletin boards and art displays. Maintains a clean and orderly classroom and storage space.
• Create positive relationships with parents and communicates effectively with them. Creates weekly blogs and conducts daily, end of class parent talks.
• Work in conjunction with the Early Childhood Program Manager and the Early Childhood Coordinator in making referrals and developing plans for children with special needs.
• Work cooperatively with fellow teachers to support and obtain the goals and objectives of the program.
• Attend staff meetings, teacher institutes and obtain 15-hours of in-service trainings.
• Substitute as needed.

Other

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Distribute written communication as necessary or requested by the organization.
• Observe and follow all Park District safety policies and regulations, and report any hazardous situations. Record and keep incident/accident reports with a copy to the Program Manager.
• Attend various district-wide and departmental staff trainings as they pertain to policies and procedures, safety or other subjects as appropriate.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess an understanding of child development.
• Knowledge of conservation, recycling and natural history.
• Ability to be outside with children on a daily basis, year-round, weather permitting.
• Ability to be aware of the needs and concerns of children and their parents and respond appropriately.
• Ability to accept responsibilities and work in an independent and organized manner.
• Ability to be flexible and interact cooperatively with fellow staff members.
• Display leadership, dependability, patience and concern for others.
• Excellent communication skills - professional ability to attend to the needs of our customers. Ability to address complaints and resolve concerns as needed.

Education and Experience:

• S., B.A. or A.A. degree in Early Childhood or Elementary Education or related field preferred.
• Five years of early childhood or child care experience required.
• Three years teaching nature classes required.
• Must have an understanding of child development and have at least 6 hours of early childhood development course work.

Special Considerations
:

• Maintain and/or obtain current certification in CPR and First Aid within 3 months of hire.
• Requires flexibility of work schedule during high volume work periods.
• Work is subject to inside/outside environmental conditions
• Requires regular lifting of light - medium - heavy objects weighing up to 40 pounds.

Full Salary Range: $20.00/hr-$26.00/hr

To be considered for this position, interested individuals must complete the online application accessible at
. Materials submitted through mail, email, or fax will not be considered.