Preschool Teacher

Leroy Springs & Co.; Fort Mill, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Leroy Springs & Company in Fort Mill, SC, seeks an enthusiastic Preschool Teacher to educate pre-elementary age students using kindergarten readiness-focused, nature-based activities in an outdoor learning environment.

You will lead project-based and inquiry-based learning, guided by the NAAEE principles, and work with the program director to plan age-appropriate lessons in forest, field and garden settings while ensuring a safe, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Experience in nature-based instruction or outdoor education preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications; training provided.
• Child Abuse prevention training; training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Educate pre-elementary age students using nature-based curriculum and project-based learning.
• Lead daily outdoor explorations, nature walks, and outdoor activities.
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Collaborate with program director to develop developmentally appropriate lessons.
• Provide a safe learning environment indoors and outdoors; address emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs.

Skills

Love of outdoors

Environmental science background

Forest School knowledge

Child-centered education understanding

Strong communication

Multi-tasking ability

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Job description

OVERVIEW

Educates pre-elementary age students kindergarten readiness skills through age-appropriate, interactive, hands-on activities in a nature-based learning environment weekday mornings September through May.Continually engages in activities through play, exploration and inquisition while providing quality care and enrichment that enhances children’s social skills, elevates activity level and extends learning in a fun and safe environment. This position requires a love for the outdoors in all weather conditions.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Ensures compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, laws and regulations
• Engages in academic, recreational, and enrichment activities to achieve curriculum objectives
• Teaches developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool lessons guided by the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence with a focus on project based and inquiry-based learning
• Works in conjunction with program director(s) to create developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool lessons guided by the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence with a focus on project based and inquiry-based learning
• Teaches a curriculum utilizing appropriate resources that will promote both kindergarten readiness skills and environmental stewardship in an outdoor learning environment where open-ended play is the focus
• Leads daily outdoor explorations, nature walks, and play in forest, field and garden settings
• Promotes environmental awareness and respect for living things through hands-on learning
• Addresses the emotional, cognitive, social and physical needs of participants
• Identifies areas of improvement; makes recommendations to supervisor and fellow Preschool Teacher(s) based off of assessments, current research and developmentally appropriate practices
• Provides a safe environment for the children indoors, outdoors and beyond
• Other duties as assigned

THE LSC WAY

Our Culture is a top priority. As part of our commitment to culture, we have written a number of ‘Fundamentals’ called The LSC Way that are traits we value in our daily activities. The fundamentals that are critically important to this position are:

• Deliver legendary service
• Take ownership
• Lead by example

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Must have a love for the outdoors/nature and comfortable being outdoors in all types of weather
• Background in environmental science, forest schools; familiarity with alternative education models (e.g. Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori)
• Understanding of Forest School principles and possesses a deep respect for child-centered education and the natural world
• Strong decision making, organizational, versatility, initiative, and human relation skills
• Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks
• Above average interpersonal skills with strong written/oral communication skills and an ability to work with a wide variety of people and circumstances

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and or/ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Degree in Early Childhood Education, Development or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities
• Experience working in nature-based instruction, outdoor education or similar field preferred
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certifications; will train
• Child Abuse prevention training; will train

REPORTING TO THIS POSITION

No supervisory responsibilities

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to exert up to twenty-five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects when needed. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for extended periods. Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions.

ABOUT US

Come work with us! At Leroy Springs & Company, we are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a family of brands rooted in nonprofit recreation, with a legacy lasting more than 80 years and a long-held belief that all people should benefit from affordable outdoor recreation, education and wellness opportunities. Today, our portfolio includes the Anne Springs Close Greenway, a 2,100-acre nature preserve; four historic golf courses; Springmaid Mountain Retreat in Spruce Pine, NC; and the FLYERS Afterschool program, which serves all Fort Mill elementary schools.

With a team of over 500 dedicated employees across four counties and two states, we are united by values of excellence, integrity and community. Our culture is built on trust, collaboration and a shared vision for a vibrant future.

Whether you are interested in outdoor seasonal jobs, non-traditional education positions, or a segue into the nonprofit, golf or parks and recreation industries, Leroy Springs & Company offers a place to grow, connect and make a lasting impact.