What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature's Way Preschool Teacher position at Kalamazoo Nature Center?
Title: Nature’s Way Preschool Teacher
Supervisor: NWP Director
Classification: Full Time / Regular, Salary / Exempt
Schedule: M-F 8:00-4:30
Compensation: $16-20/hour depending on experience
Benefits:
Supervisor: NWP Director
Classification: Full Time / Regular, Salary / Exempt
Schedule: M-F 8:00-4:30
Compensation: $16-20/hour depending on experience
Benefits:
- Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and personal days)
- 7 paid holidays off
- Paid snow days off during severe weather
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and support services
- Simple IRA with a 3% match for retirement savings
- Additional KNC Specific benefits
The Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create relationships and experiences that welcome and inspire people to discover, enjoy, value, and care for nature. Recognized by its peers as one of the top nature centers in the country, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is located on 1,500 acres of wooded, rolling countryside and includes over 15 miles of hiking trails winding through some of the most magnificent habitats in Michigan.
Because we value the strength diversity brings to the workplace, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is committed to the recruitment, retention, and development of a workforce that reflects the community in which we live.
Job Summary:
Nature’s Way Preschool offers experiences found in child-centered programs such as discovery-based learning through play, sensory exploration, large and fine motor activity, creative expression, and developing social skills. Our 30 acres of natural areas serve as an extension of the classroom, allowing children to experience daily nature hikes and nature play through the woods and along a creek. Students spend at least half of their school session outside. Nature’s Way Preschool is licensed by the State of Michigan. Classes are limited to 16 students and two teachers.
The Preschool Teacher position is a full-time position co-leading a preschool classroom on Monday-Friday. Preschool teacher responsibilities include preparing and leading classroom activities and lessons and maintaining a developmentally appropriate classroom. This is practiced within the philosophical guidelines of Nature’s Way Preschool in order to develop students’ relationship with the natural world. The preschool teacher will report to the NWP Director and work collaboratively will all other KNC staff.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Teach and develop curriculum for Nature’s Way Preschool in conjunction with other members of the teaching team.
- Operates the classroom within the guidelines and standards of the Michigan Department of Human Services, Office of Child Licensing.
- Manage for the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group.
- Interact with children to encourage positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process.
- Develop relationships with parents, addressing any concerns and celebrating accomplishments of the children.
- Demonstrate strong communication skills with parents through weekly classroom newsletters, parent/teacher conferences, as well as other school family events. Some of these will require working other than regularly scheduled hours.
- Assist NWP staff with open houses and recruitment efforts for enrolling new families.
- Provide ongoing developmental assessments for enrolled children.
- Work with NWP Director and other NWP teachers to help organize field trips and family events.
- Assist with keeping the classroom and school clean and organized.
- Attend training sessions to comply with Michigan Licensing requirements of 16 hours per year.
- Provide quality customer service representing the mission of the Kalamazoo Nature Center.
- Participate in KNC functions as appropriate, such as Maple Sugar Festival or other occasional Saturday or evening events. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Preferred Skills/Abilities:
- A demonstrated strength in leading outdoor activities.
- A demonstrated understanding of principles and techniques of developmentally appropriate practices and the ability to implement that knowledge.
- A demonstrated knowledge of the natural world or a willingness to acquire knowledge about the natural world.
- Ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with children, parents, and peers.
- Excellent written skills.
- Creative and high energy.
- Ability to work as a team member as well as demonstrate initiative and leadership skills.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in early childhood or Elementary Education with Early Childhood Endorsement. Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education considered.
- Two years of experience teaching or leading young children.
Working Conditions:
- Ability to lead groups of children over rough terrain in all weather conditions with a positive attitude.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to read English aloud and correspond in English through emails and parent communications.
The Kalamazoo Nature Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary : $16 - $20
