Equipped with a strong background in early childhood development and the ability to inspire children to connect with nature through play and exploration, the teacher fosters positive relationships with children, parents, and staff to benefit whole-child growth. Together with the teaching team, this position is responsible for planning, implementing, and documenting learning; maintaining safety and regulation standards, and participating in nature-based activities with the children.

Teaching and Curriculum

• Facilitate developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool programming.
• Incorporate project-based learning in an emergent curriculum that aligns with Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards (ECIPs) and North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Guidelines.
• Plan learning opportunities based on child interests, including outdoor activities, play, art, music, dance, drama, language, math, science, technology, social/emotional, gross and fine motor.
• Help young children with self-help skills in dressing, grooming, bathroom activities, etc.
• Prepare environments and materials to support learning opportunities.
• Conduct formative assessments and maintain child portfolios.

Relationships

• Create and sustain a welcoming, peaceful and joyful classroom family atmosphere.
• Develop children’s emotional, social, and behavioral skills through connection with nature, positive guidance, conflict resolution strategies, and mindfulness approaches.
• Create a culturally responsive inclusive environment for children and their families.

Physical Environment

• Assure children’s physical and emotional safety, including following procedures in medication administration, allergy management, and authorized release.
• Maintain a clean, healthy, safe outdoor and indoor environment. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of compliance logs.
• Respond to emergencies in a calm and responsible manner.
• Communicate concerns about the learning environment or children to the Preschool Director.

Families

• Involve families in their children’s educational growth, and encourage families to fully participate in the program.
• Positively communicate child progress with family members and other teaching staff.

Administration and Operations

• Collaborate with parents, guardians, education staff, and other zoo departments.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant governmental, company, and departmental rules and regulations.
• Lead teaching assistants and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental education, or related field. Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a valid Minnesota teaching license in Early Childhood or Pre-K preferred.
• Experience working with children younger than 8 years old in a group setting required.
• College credit hours in Early Childhood Education, child psychology, or child development preferred.
• 2 years teaching experience in a licensed child care center preferred.
• Experience in nature-based programming and demonstrated interest in conservation and environmental education preferred.