Howard County Conservancy 

Nature Preschool Assistant Teacher

Full Time, 7 Month Position

 

The Howard County Conservancy seeks an engaged, energetic, and enthusiastic Assistant Preschool Teacher for our brand-new nature preschool. 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 experienced in early childhood education, 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 child 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 classroom and outdoor settings, participates in family events, and conducts developmental observations. The candidate must be experienced working with preschool-age students, 3-5 years old.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED
  • 9 hour Communication Skills for Child Care Professionals
  • One year of experience teaching preschool in a licensed childcare

Preferred Qualifications: (may complete once hired)

  • 90 hour Preschool Certification (45 hour Curriculum and Activities + 45 hour Child Development)
  • 3 hour “Including all children and the ADA” certification
  • Basic Health and Safety Training
  • Pediatric CPR and First Aid

Areas of Responsibility:

  • Participate in the development of nature-based curriculum for children ages 3-5
  • Contribute to and carry out daily lesson plans directly relating to nature-based curriculum
  • Support classroom management, record keeping and file management
  • Documentation of play and discovery through writing, photo/video, and artwork
  • Develop and nurture partnerships with families, communicating regularly with parents
  • Help with preparation of progress reports and portfolios
  • Attend on-going, annual professional development courses as required by MSDE
  • 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

Desired Skills and Abilities

  • Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies or difficult situations
  • Familiarity with nature pedagogy and emergent curriculum
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles patiently and professionally
  • Strong organizational skills, detail oriented
  • Ability to work as part of a team

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 candidates, please email resume to:

Jessica Caylor

Nature Preschool Director

jessica.caylor@howardnature.org