Howard County Conservancy
Nature Preschool Lead Teacher
Full Time, 7 Month Position
The Howard County Conservancy seeks an engaged, energetic, and enthusiastic Preschool Teacher for our brand-new nature preschool. The Lead Teacher will have the opportunity to assist with the development of a nature-based, emergent curriculum and participate 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 a teacher who is experienced in early childhood education, detail oriented, organized, and highly relational. The Lead Teacher must take pride in participating in the nature-preschool and child-led teaching models.
The Lead Preschool Teacher will establish 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 manages the full-day classroom, supervises 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
- 90 hour Preschool Certification (45 hour Curriculum and Activities + 45 hour Child Development)
- 9 hour Communication Skills for Child Care Professionals
- 3 hour “Including all children and the ADA” certification
- Two years of experience teaching preschool in a licensed childcare
- Experience teaching in an outdoor setting
Preferred Qualifications: (may complete once hired)
- 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
- Daily lesson planning directly relating to nature-based curriculum
- 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 about their child’s development
- Preparation of progress reports and portfolios
- Participate in conducting parent teacher conferences
- 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
