The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and energetic early childhood educator/naturalist to engage our Nature Preschool children through meaningful and innovative learning experiences in nature. The ideal candidate will have experience teaching in a progressive preschool as well as experience in, and a passion for, using nature as a context for learning.

The Teacher Assistant supports the Teachers and the Director by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education.  S/he must be able to communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Teacher Assistants are responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist in the implementation of emergent curriculum activities and encourage participation by children.
• Interact with children outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
• Encourage self-help and good hygiene through behavior modeling.
• Help ensure smooth, daily transition from home to school.
• Follow all center policies and state regulations.
• Complete the required training, professional development, and paperwork in a timely manner.

Expected Competencies 

• Minimum of 1-2 years of professional child care experience.
• Interest in the natural sciences, local flora and fauna, and outdoor-based education.
• High energy.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills. 
• Understanding of early childhood development, the different stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Must clear a full background check. 
• Must provide current documentation of a health screening and TB test.

Physical Demands/Work Environment 

• The physical demand and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

During most of the year, Preschool staff spend the better part of their day outdoors. The employee must be able to: 

• Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (Heat, cold, rain, snow).
• Hike 2-5 miles a day on rough terrain, keeping pace with the children in their care. 
• Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day. 
• Lift up to 50 pounds (size of a small child).

Education, Experience, and Qualifications 

• High School Diploma or GED, and significant college credit in early childhood education or related field of study. CDA or 6 hours of ECE credit preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

Compensation 

• This is an entry-level full-time position. $25,000-$28,000 per year; commensurate with experience 

Start Date 

Wednesday, August 25, 2021

The Schuylkill Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. We value a racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse work community and we strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. E.O.E