Floater of Forest Preschool Classroom

THE VILLAGE NEST; Eliot (ME); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Training & development

Job summary

The Village Nest in Eliot, ME is seeking a Lead Teacher for aftercare to create a nurturing, child-led environment for children aged 2.5 to 5. You will guide morning routines, engaging learning activities, snack times, and peaceful nap periods.

You will document progress, communicate with families via Brightwheel, and collaborate with a close-knit team. A GED or higher and CPR/First Aid certifications are required.

Qualifications

• Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with children.
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills to converse with children, fellow professional caregivers, and parents/guardians.
• Excellent patience and stamina for keeping up with the demands of children of all ages.
• Advanced multitasking and organizational skills to “handle” multiple children at a time.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and engage with children in aftercare activities, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
• Plan and implement nature-based and educational activities aligned with program goals.
• Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging development through exploration and play.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding their child’s experience and progress through Brightwheel App; document activities and incidents.
• Collaborate with staff to create a cohesive and supportive team atmosphere.
• Perform first aid for cuts and scrapes and administer medications as needed.

Skills

Caring attitude

Verbal communication

Patience and stamina

Multitasking and organization

Education

GED or higher; Early Childhood Education preferred

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Training & development

A Day in the Life

You will start the morning by preparing the classroom for the activities ahead in the day. Then students will trickle down into the classroom to meet you. You will conduct a morning meeting and fuel the body up with a snack before beginning your morning work activities. Morning work activities will relate to the interests expressed through children’s play and the environment. We strive to nurture children in a child-led emergent environment. The class will gather again for lunch and then settle into a peaceful nap time. After a nap, students will gather for an afternoon snack, pack up, and join the younger classroom.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and engage with children in aftercare activities, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment.
• Plan and implement nature-based and educational activities that align with our program's goals and curriculum.
• Foster positive relationships with children, encouraging their development through exploration and play.
• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding their child’s experience and progress through the Brightwheel App.
  • Document activities and accidents/incidents.
• Collaborate with fellow staff members to create a cohesive and supportive team atmosphere.
• Perform first aid for cuts and scrapes and administer medication to children with medical conditions or allergies.
• Change diapers of children between the ages of 2.5 to 5.
• Demonstrates a caring and compassionate attitude while engaging with children, maintaining strong verbal communication and listening skills to effectively interact with children and colleagues, and consistently exhibits patience, stamina, and organizational abilities to manage the dynamic needs of multiple children across various ages.

Qualifications

Lead Teachers must be skilled in interacting with and providing care for children of various ages. Some of the most important skills they should have include :

• Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with children
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills to converse with children, fellow professional caregivers, and parents/guardians
• Excellent patience and stamina for keeping up with the demands of children of all ages
• Advanced multitasking and organizational skills to “handle” multiple children at a time

Conditions of employment

• This offer is contingent upon successful completion of background checks and any other pre-employment requirements.
• A probationary period of 6 months will be observed to ensure mutual satisfaction and fit for the role.
• Must obtain CPR and Adult and Infant First Aid certifications
• Lift and maintain 40 lbs, be on your feet for long periods of time, and run and physically endure being outside for 8 hours a day regardless of weather
• Have a GED or higher (BS or BA in Early Childhood Education is preferred)
  • Preference will come to those with 1+ years of experience in education.
• Must be willing to complete 30 Hours of Professional Development training annually