Preschool Teacher

www.heronsnest.care

Heron's Nest is an outdoor preschool focused on gardening, handcrafting, forest exploration, and community building, in the context of New England seasonality. We're more than halfway through our second year, and enrolling for our third.

We're looking to hire an assistant teacher! Our school has been run by Heron and Josie Wakerobin as a team since the beginning, but Josie is looking to work elsewhere to pursue their own career.

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm (36 hrs a week)

Pay: $18 an hour, with paid holidays and vacations

We may need to hire someone to start as early as mid April or May. Start date TBD. But at the latest, we're looking to hire someone for next school year.

The school year runs Sept 2, 2025 to June 18, 2026, and there are 6 weeks of summer vacation camp in July and August. There are three paid vacations throughout the year (a week and a half off in December, a week off in Feb, and a week off in April) and paid Monday federal holidays.

Job duties and responsibilities:

• Be one of two primary caretakers for 6-8 children between the ages of 1 and 5, cultivating close bonds and compassionate mentorship as the children learn about themselves, the natural world, and being a member of a community.
• Spend close time playing with the children, assisting in conflict resolution, redirecting play positively and creatively, and collaborating with the kids as they guide the learning.
• Aid in the flow of the day and our routines; Assist in the transitions between activities and blocks.
• Work one-on-one with children who need help regulating, guidance through challenges, or encouragement to do work independently.
• Help children with clothes and outdoor gear, bathrooming, nap time, eating meals, and organizing and keeping track of their belongings.
• Support creative projects and group activities by setting up, leading alongside the main teacher, or by supervising/guiding the children that are not participating.
• Maintain a positive and peaceful attitude and relationship with the children, even in the face of challenging behavior and high stress moments.
• Work with the lead teacher to strategize about behavior management.
• Be flexible and adaptable to new routines and new approaches, as change is the only constant when working with kids.
• Help organize supplies, maintain general order in the space, clean after meals and activities, and generally tidy up at the end of the day.
• Get to know the parents/caregivers at drop off and pick up.
• Periodically do professional development work (online, and financed by Heron’s Nest).

Requirements, skills:

• At least one year of work with children under the age of 10 (nannying, in schools, tutoring, babysitting, parenting, etc.)
• More years of experience with children but of an older age group could also be acceptable
• Bachelor’s not required, but appreciated
• First aid and CPR certification required (can be paid for by Heron's Nest if not already certified)
• Clean CORI and SORI, and fingerprints
• Love and appreciation for children
• Immense patience, coping skills for frustration, and ability to be silly and unselfconscious around kids
• Comfort with diapers and bathroom assistance
• Flexible mindset when it comes to sudden changes in plan, or new ways of doing things when prior methods fail
• Openness to feedback and an ability to self reflect and grow

Work conditions/physical expectations:

• The small private home of the preschool owner, Heron Wakerobin
• Kitchen, bathroom, living room/play space, screened in porch, large greenhouse, and outdoor space/gardens
• Weekly easy hikes down the path up the road (about 1 mile total - typically a flat, wide trail but we sometimes go into the woods and navigate more hilly terrain)
• Spending time every day outside in all weather, including cold, rain, and wind (good gear required, can borrow from us if ever needed)
• Tasks may include lifting children who weigh up to 50 lbs, first aid, bathroom support, nap support, comforting and having children in your arms/lap, spoon or bottle feeding, standing, playing games, moving a lot, sitting a lot

Reach out here or to heronsnest.care@gmail.com for more info! Resume, cover letter, and two references are required to apply.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• No nights

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Deerfield, MA 01342 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18