The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a leading environmental education provider for the Philadelphia region, seeks a passionate and energetic early childhood educator 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. This is a full time position for 40 hours per week through mid-June. 

The assistant teacher 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.  Assistant teachers should communicate, listen and work well with others in a team environment. Assistant teachers 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 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 transitions throughout the day
• Follow all center policies and state regulations
• Complete the required training and professional development through the course of the school year and attend monthly staff meetings

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 

• 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)
• Be able to hear, see, and guide children at all times

Education, Experience, and Qualifications 

• Minimum of 1-2 years of professional child care experience.
• 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 entry-level position is full-time salaried with a full range of benefits, including vacation, health, dental, vision, and retirement; salary is commensurate with experience.

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