Nature Based Preschool - Assistant Teacher, Inclusion Support

ABOUT FOX HOLLOW

Fox Hollow is a joyful, outdoor-first preschool located in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains. Our nature-based program offers full-day, year round education and care for children ages 3-5. We are a private program, located on the grounds of Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden, Rutland County and conduct our outdoor learning on the East Creek trails and forest surrounding the school.

JOB SUMMARY

The Assistant Teacher - Special Needs will assist the Fox Hollow team in creating a daily preschool experience that is joyful and nature-based, specifically focussed on supporting children who have higher inclusion needs. The Assistant Teacher will work directly and consistently with child/ren on IEPs to maximize their enjoyment, benefit from and engagement in the learning environment and ensure a safe and enriching experience for other classmates. The Assistant Teacher will work with the other teachers to meet the needs of these particular students, and may at times attend support meetings with a wider care team, maintain records of student progress or behavior and communicate with parents.

DUTIES

• Support child/ren with higher inclusion needs to gain maximum benefit from the learning environment, while ensuring a safe and supportive experience for other classmates.
• Take the lead in understanding how to best support children with special needs including setting up appropriate environments, ensuring all teachers are interacting with special needs children in the most effective way possible and leading the team deeper in their understanding of special needs.
• Maintain records of student progress and needs
• Help keep learning areas and activities safe
• Attend support meetings and communicate with parents as required
• Provide a welcoming, inclusive learning atmosphere for all students

HOURS

• 6.5 hours / day, between 8:30-3:00pm (some flexibility on hours may occasionally be required)
• Potential opportunity to expand to full time if desired, within the next year

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in a childcare setting (20 children)
• Previous experience / skills / qualifications / training in providing special education and support for children with high needs
• Passion for the outdoors and enjoyment of all kinds of weather with a smile

Must be at least eighteen years of age, be a high school graduate or have completed a GED, and meet one of the following qualifications:

(Only need ONE of the following:)

• At least a Vermont Early Childhood Career Ladder Level One (1) or Two (2) Certificate
• At least a current CDA (Child Development Associate) and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger
• At least a State Board of Education approved Human Services Program Certificate that emphasizes child development or early childhood education and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger
• At least successful completion of the Fundamentals for Early Childhood Professionals’ course or the Vermont Afterschool Essentials Certificate and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger
• At least successful completion of a three (3) college credit course in child or human development or a three (3) college credit course for school age care and education and at least twelve (12) months experience working with groups of children from grade three (3) or younger

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• $35,000 / year salary (32 hours a week, $22/hour) including 8.5 weeks vacation a year
• 5 weeks paid vacations, holidays, and inclement weather closings during the school year according to the RNESU Public School Calendar
• PLUS 2 weeks paid vacation either side of Summer program
• PLUS 7.5 paid sick/vacation/personal leave (48 hours/year) to be taken at your discretion
• Professional development

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a highschool diploma / GED one of the requirements for an Assistant Teacher listed in the job description?
• Are you available to work at least 5 hours between the times of 7:30am and 5pm?

Experience:

• Preschool Education and Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,000 - $45,000