Job Summary: This three-day-a-week (20 hours) position runs with the Addison Northwest Supervisory District calendar, with the possibility for more hours in the future. The Wren’s Nest Associate Teacher will work directly with students ages 3-5. They will collaborate with other staff members, attend trainings and events in the area, and assist the Director in keeping the program in good standing with STARS and Vermont State licensing regulations. The right candidate will have an early childhood education teaching licence (or a early childhood special ed teaching endorsement), experience in nature-based education and a love for the outdoors.

About Wren’s Nest

The Wren’s Nest Forest Preschool, run by The Willowell Foundation, operated as a one-day-a-week, nature-based preschool from September of 2012- June 2018.  Wren’s Nest moved to Treleven Farm in New Haven, Vermont in August 2018. We are a licensed center-based program serving children ages 3-5. Treleven Farm has 135 acres of diverse ecosystems. At full capacity we have 10 to 15 students, and we accept Act 166 Pre-K funding.

Qualifications:

• An early childhood teaching license (or early special ed endorsement) and a combination of education and experience in a related field
• Dedication to exploring the natural environment: a working knowledge of local flora, fauna, and seasonal changes to Vermont’s landscape
• Experience working with young children from varying socio economic backgrounds and with varying social/emotional needs
• An interest in working as a team to develop curriculum and communicate with families about student progress/interests
• Ability to work in varied conditions of the Vermont weather, while ensuring the safety of children
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to adhere to and maintain strict licensing regulations, state credentials, and reporting requirements
• Age 20 years or older
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks

Responsibilities Include:

• Co-creating daily curriculum that meets both the mission of the program and the VT early learning standards
• Complying with and maintaining the programs compliance with the current CDD licensing regulations
• Helping Director update and maintain communication with families via program blog, emails, and newsletters
• Weekly lesson and event planning with other teachers, using TS Gold Teaching Strategies
• Daily maintenance and upkeep of classrooms and outdoor area, including taking trash and compost out, vacuuming, dishes, cleaning bathroom, and communicating with roperty manager about facility needs
• Participating in annual parent-teacher conferences and occasional after-hours family events held throughout the year
• Keeping up with Vermont education professional development standards by attending trainings and workshops throughout the year