Preschool Assistant Teacher (Long-term Substitute, Part-time)

DODGE NATURE CENTER; West Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Dodge Nature Preschool, part of Dodge Nature Center, seeks a part-time Assistant Teacher to work with a three-person teaching team across up to two groups of preschoolers. You will support nature-based, emergent curriculum and help maintain a safe, engaging classroom and outdoor spaces.

The role emphasizes collaboration with lead teachers, adapting activities to developmental levels, and preparing materials for daily sessions.

Qualifications

• One year of experience working with young children as an aide, student intern, or similar role.
• Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and spend up to six hours outdoors in all weather.
• Experience in licensed childcare center and/or NAEYC accredited program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry-based approach.
• Support lead teachers in delivering nature-based programming.
• Facilitate small group activities and lead whole group experiences.
• Supervise children in classroom, playground, and nature center grounds.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and Dodge events; communicate with parents and co-teachers.

Education

Bachelor’s degree (any field)

Associate degree in Child Development or ECE

Child Development Associate credential

Job description

Duration

Duration Long-term substitute
January 4–June 11, 2027
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Dodge Nature Preschool seeks a part-time Assistant Teacher to work collaboratively with 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. This role is part of a teaching team of three that oversees up to two classroom groups with up to 20 children per group.

The Assistant Teacher will supervise children with special attention to encouraging positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process. They keep expectations of children developmentally and individually appropriate, support children during daily routines and transitions, and handle discipline issues as opportunities for learning. This role is responsible for setting up and maintaining classroom supplies and supporting lead teachers in carrying out high-quality, nature-based early childhood curriculum.

Dodge Nature Preschool follows an emergent curriculum with a social-constructivist approach. The preschool operates as part of Dodge Nature Center on the Main Property, with 110 acres of woodlands, prairie, ponds, and wetlands to explore. This site is also home to a model farm with animals, large gardens, a greenhouse, apple orchard, maple syrup making facility, and a bee apiary. A state-of-the-art preschool building with three outdoor/indoor classrooms provide early childhood nature education throughout the seasons.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities

• Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry-based & Reggio Emilia approach.
• Support lead teachers in delivering programming with special attention to nature-based education.
• Facilitate small group activities and lead whole group experiences, such as reading a story.
• Supervise children in work and play in classroom, playground, and nature center grounds.
• Adhere to the code of ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Maintenance and Cleaning – 25%

• Prepare and care for the classroom and playground, including snack set-up and cleaning up kitchen and bathroom area after each session.
• Wash art materials and other equipment after class sessions, tidy centers in preparation for the next session of children, and set out and pick up playground equipment.
• Provide care for classroom animals, including cleaning enclosures, feeding, and other needs.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with co-teachers and school administrators.
• Support lead teachers in maintaining an attractive, functional, and appropriate learning environment that meets quality and safety standards set by licensing and NAEYC.

Playing an active role in the operation of Dodge Nature Center and Preschool – 10%

• Attend monthly staff meetings, school events, and in-service training.
• Work with Dodge Nature Center naturalists to provide activities for preschoolers on Dodge Nature Center grounds.
• Ability to quickly learn and use company-specific software and technology tools.
• Attend other Dodge events as requested, including Rock the Barn on May 15, 2027.
• One year of experience working with young children as an aide, student intern, or similar role.
• Ability to communicate clearly with parents, co-teachers, and children.
• Ability to supervise children for up to six hours per day in a classroom, playground, and throughout the nature center grounds in all types of weather.
• Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to perform tasks that involve manual labor, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and bending.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to six hours per day outside in all types of weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university, or an associate’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education, or a current Child Development Associate credential or willingness to obtain.
• Work experience in a licensed childcare center and/or NAEYC accredited program.
• Work experience or education in nature-based education and/or the Reggio Emilia approach.

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.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.