Preschool Assistant Teacher
Dodge Nature Preschool
1715 Charlton Ave.
West Saint Paul, MN 55118
651-455-4555
Full-time (36.25 hours) Non-Exempt Summer Opening
Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:30PM, Friday 8-12:15PM; requires occasional evening hours Runs from June 19th, 2023-August 11th, 2023
Dodge Nature Preschool seeks an Assistant Teacher to be part of the teaching team in fulfilling the school’s mission of meeting children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.
Diversity Statement
Dodge Nature Preschool welcomes all families and values diversity in the broadest sense including ethnicity, ability, gender identity, gender expression, family structure, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstances and religion. Our school seeks to promote equitable access to nature-based early childhood education for all communities, especially those for whom access has been denied historically. We acknowledge our responsibility to work to challenge bias and prejudice and listen to the voices of our community.
Program Description
Dodge Nature Preschool follows an emergent curriculum with a social-constructivist approach. Dodge Nature Preschool operates as part of the Dodge Nature Center; grounds include woodlands, prairie, ponds, wetlands, and a model farm with animals, gardening program, a greenhouse, apple orchard, maple syrup making facility, and apiary. A state-of-the-art preschool building with three outdoor/indoor classrooms provide early childhood nature education throughout the seasons. Class size is 18 three, four and five year olds with 3 teachers.
Compensation
Starting at $16.50-$18.50 per hour. Varies with education and experience.
Responsibilities
1. Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry-based & Reggio Emilia approach. 2. Supervise children in work and play in classroom, playground, and nature center grounds. 3. Facilitate small group activities and lead whole group experiences such as reading a story. 4. Assume role of teacher with the assistance of a substitute in the absence of the lead teacher. 5. Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process and ask open-ended questions;
6. Keep expectations of children developmentally and individually appropriate and handle discipline issues as opportunities for learning rather than punishment for misdeeds. 7. Prepare and care for the classroom and playground including snack set-up and cleaning up kitchen area after each session.
8. Wash art materials and other equipment after class sessions, tidy centers in preparation for the next session of children, and set out playground equipment.
9. Develop and maintain appropriate working relationship with other staff members and parents. 10. Play an active role in the operation of the preschool through attending team meetings, all staff meetings, and in-service training days.
11. Take part in professional development opportunities.
12. Adhere to the code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 13. Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Education/certification:
Qualifies as an assistant teacher per MN Rule 3; Associate degree or higher in child development, early childhood education, or related field preferred, but will consider applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field and (1) 12 units in Child Development or Early Childhood Education or (2) a CDA Credential or (3) at least one year of experience teaching in an early childhood education setting.
Required Knowledge:
• Coursework in early childhood education, child development, or related field, or related experience working with young children in an educational setting, or
• Coursework or experience in environmental education or related field in an educational setting. • Experience working in a child-centered, developmentally appropriate preschool or commitment to learning about appropriate early childhood education practices.
• Coursework or commitment to learning about appropriate early childhood nature education practices.
Skills/Abilities:
• Sensitivity to children’s learning styles and ability to communicate clearly with parents. • Ability to develop collaborative team relationships and problem solve.
• Ability to use technology to support documentation of children’s work.
• Ability to work flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends for in-service training and events.
Physical activities and requirements of this position:
• This position requires active participation with children up to 6 hours per day in the classroom, playground, and throughout the Nature Center.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds to waist level.
Please send cover letter and resume on or before February 27th to:
Amy Warzybok, Preschool Director
awarzybok@dodgenaturecenter.org
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers
651-789-5275
