(Part-time, Monday-Friday mornings, 22-25hrs/week)

The Howard County Conservancy seeks an engaged, energetic, and enthusiastic Assistant Preschool Teacher to join our team in August, 2022. The Assistant Teacher will have the opportunity to support and contribute to a nature-based, emergent curriculum, participating in outdoor education for this first of it’s kind preschool in Howard County. A willingness to be outside in a variety of weather conditions and inspire others to become passionate about nature is a must.

Our ideal candidate has a genuine love for teaching young children, a deep personal connection to nature, and is dedicated to high quality care and learning. We are looking for an Assistant Teacher who is detail oriented, organized, and highly relational. The Assistant Teacher must take pride in participating in the nature-preschool and child-led teaching models.

The Assistant Preschool Teacher will reinforce and maintain a safe and positive learning environment that supports developmental and foundational skills, while fostering connections between children and the natural world. This position provides support in the full-day classroom, assists in supervising children in indoor and outdoor settings, participates in family events, and assists with teacher administrative tasks.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED

Preferred Qualifications: (May complete once hired, cost of classes are reimbursed)

  • Pediatric CPR and First Aid
  • Basic Health and Safety training (MSDE)

Areas of Responsibility:

  • Foster and create a safe, healthy and nurturing learning environment
  • Assist in daily operations of the Preschool
  • Participate in the implementation of nature-based curriculum for children ages 3-5
  • Support daily lesson plans directly relating to nature-based curriculum
  • Documentation of play and discovery through writing, photo/video, and artwork
  • Develop and nurture partnerships with families, communicating regularly with parents
  • Support a multi-cultural and inclusive learning environment
  • Follow all emergency procedures and COVID-19 protocols
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment in accordance with MSDE licensing and CDC guidelines
  • Participate in monthly professional development and required MSDE trainings

Desired Skills and Abilities

  • Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies or difficult situations
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles patiently and professionally
  • Strong organizational skills, detail oriented
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • A love for nature!

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to work outside in various weather conditions. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time. This employee will occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel and crouch. This employee must frequently lift and or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

Qualified and interested candidates, please submit resume through indeed or email resume to:

Jessica Caylor, Nature Preschool Director, Preschool@howardnature.org