Nature Preschool Teacher (Full Time)

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 Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities of the classroom. Teachers must understand children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Coordinate and implement emergent curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and PA Early Learning Standards.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Maintain frequent communications with parents through informal discussions, progress reports, and parent-teacher conferences. Keep the director informed and involved in these communications.
• Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, order, and availability of classroom materials.
• Organize indoor and outdoor spaces daily to keep the environment safe, clean, and accessible for children to use independently.
• Supervise assistant teachers and classroom volunteers to ensure they are following planned activities, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Ensure all center policies and state regulations are met.
• Maintain accurate records, forms and files
• Complete the required training, professional development, and paperwork in a timely manner.

Expected Competencies 

• Minimum of 2 years of professional teaching experience.
• A strong understanding of early childhood development, the different stages of growth, and an awareness of young children’s needs.
• Desire and ability to engage children in learning experiences using developmentally appropriate pedagogy and group management techniques, and the ability to employ redirection and positive behavior modification strategies when confronted with challenging behaviors 
• Interest in the natural sciences, local flora and fauna, and outdoor-based education.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• Strong work ethic and personal integrity displaying initiative and ownership
• Adapt and be flexible with quickly changing environments
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills; work collaboratively with fellow staff and ability to communicate in a timely and respectful manner
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills. 
• 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 

• Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in early childhood education, child development, special education, or elementary education.  OR an associate’s degree from an accredited college in early childhood education, child development, special education.
• 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.