Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement nature-based developmentally appropriate programming in conjunction with other members of the teaching team.
• Assure compliance with the regulations and statues of the MN Department of Human Services and best practices of early childhood education.
• Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group.
• Create a welcoming family environment and effectively communicate with parents and families individually and in groups including newsletters, emails, parent/teacher conferences, and social events.
• Track the development of individual children, assess needs, and plan based on those needs.
• Assist the teaching team in assessing HNP programs, policies, and procedures based on current research and best practices in environmental education and early childhood education and suggest and implement recommendations for improvement.
• Assist with HNP special events and, as needed, with Hartley Nature Center family and special events.
• Supervise volunteers in the classroom.
• Take part in professional development as appropriate to maintain appropriate certifications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education/Certification: Qualifies as a lead teacher as per MN Rule 3; BA in Early Childhood Education or related field required. Certification or course work in Early Childhood Special Education preferred.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• BA in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• Experience teaching children ages 3-5 in a child-centered, developmentally appropriate program.
• Active interest in the natural world and a commitment to its use as a central and daily learning and play environment.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly, positively, and in a timely manner with children, families, and co-workers.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently and to creatively problem solve.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multi-tasking abilities.
• Proficiency with computer, email, and digital camera use, Microsoft Office, and social media sites.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for parent meetings, in-service trainings, and/or special events.
• Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or willingness to pursue certification.
• Experience teaching outdoors or in an environmental education program preferred.
• Must pass complete DHS background check.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions, and on difficult and varied terrain while supervising young children.
Ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, pull, push, sit without back support, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and 10-35 pounds frequently.

Reports to: Preschool Director

Status and Compensation: At-will, part-time, non-exempt; $12.50 per hour

Benefits: Paid vacation and sick days, un-paid school vacations

Hours: Part-time, approximately 20 hours/week, mid-August to end of May

Start Date: August 15, 2016