Nature Preschool Teacher

Mbami; Midland (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading preschool program seeks a passionate Nature Preschool Teacher to provide a nurturing environment for 3- and 4-year-olds. Candidates should have a strong background in early childhood education, creativity, and effective communication skills. Join us at Chippewa Nature Center to foster a meaningful relationship with nature through play-based learning.

Benefits

Year-round benefits

Qualifications

• Teaching experience required.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice essential.
• Current CPR and first aid certification needed or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for health, safety, and welfare of children.
• Develop and implement curriculum for Nature Preschool.
• Communicate effectively with parents.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Creativity

Flexibility

Education

Associates degree or higher

Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Available:
Nature Preschool Teacher
Status: Full time, permanent; 43-week/year position with year-round benefits
Application deadline: Open until filled

Come awaken your natural sense of wonder at Nature Preschool! Join us as we jump in puddles, make mud pies, and study every part of a frog’s life cycle through real-life hands-on experiences.

Chippewa Nature Center is in search of teachers with a passion for nurturing learning and investigation in 3- and 4-year-old children. Nature Preschool is a play-based program which uses research-based curriculum practices to implement developmentally appropriate early childhood education with nature at its core. Our preschoolers and staff experience ecosystems at Chippewa Nature Center through engaging lessons and exploration. Our teaching teams are highly trained and supported with three full-time teachers in each classroom.

Objective: To work within a teaching team to provide a premier early childhood environment that meets the developmental needs of the whole child and initiates a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group.
2. Teach and develop curriculum of Nature Preschool in conjunction with other team members.
3. Communicate with parents both formally and informally, individually and in groups.
4. Ensure classroom operates within guidelines of Michigan Department of Human Services, Office of Children and Adult Licensing, and Michigan Department of Education’s Great Start Readiness Program.
5. Plan for equipment and supply needs with the teaching team and staff.
6. Conduct regular assessments of children.
7. Conduct home visits and parent-teacher conferences.
8. Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of policies, procedures, and activities in collaboration with the Nature Preschool Director.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Associates degree or higher.
• Teaching experience.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and ability to implement it.
• Creativity, flexibility, and understanding for working with children, parents, and co-workers.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy, including Windows and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to meet physical demands (e.g., outdoor activities, lifting 50 pounds).
• Current certification in child and adult CPR and basic first aid or willingness to obtain.

Preferred:

• One to five years of teaching experience.
• Experience in nature-based or play-based early childhood education.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with an Early Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement; or a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood.