Assistant Preschool Teacher UPK - Nature Preschool

We are seeking an Assistant Preschool Teacher for our UPK 4’s class at our nature preschool in Carmel, NY starting as soon as possible. This is a leave replacement position until June 2nd with the possibility of staying on longer.

This job is M-F, 8:00-2:45. The school follows a public school calendar. Attendance at a monthly staff meeting is mandatory.

This position pays $25 per hour.

• Experience working with children ages 3-4 in childcare or preschool setting is essential.
• Knowledge of/comfortability with the general developmental needs of this age group
• Enthusiasm to work outdoors in all weather, including rain, snow, heat, and cold. You must love to be outside!
• A background check and 15 hours of state-mandated training
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
• Strong understanding of classroom management techniques and behavior management strategies.
• Three positive references that demonstrate your ability to lovingly work with children and work on a team
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with children, parents, and colleagues.

Preferred

· Bilingual – English/Spanish

· College level early childhood courses or Child Development Associate (CDA)

· General knowledge of and alignment with our school philosophy and values (www.littleleafschool.com)

· Willing to learn about the following educational approaches: Reggio Emilia, Waldorf Education, Forest Kindergarten, Coyote Mentoring. Job Type:

Little Leaf is a play-based nature preschool that places the values of love, joy, and community at the center of everything we do. Little Leaf teachers must embody these values and be joyous and fun. Our teachers must be dedicated to high environmental standards as well.

The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to the following:

· Assist the lead teacher in carrying out all responsibilities for the class

· Work in a positive and cooperative manner with all teachers at the school

· Communicate with children using developmentally appropriate language

· Provide emotional support to children during separation from parents at drop-off and throughout the day

· Daily set-up/clean-up of indoor and outdoor classroom materials, including snack prep and clean-up

· Ensure visual supervision and child safety at all times, and communicate with your team throughout the day about student: teacher ratios and student needs and behavior

· Assist children with dressing in their outdoor gear as they transition between our indoor and outdoor spaces, while empowering them to develop self-help skills

· Work with your teaching team to maintain a flexible yet consistent daily schedule/routine for the children

· Engage in ongoing and open communication with colleagues to ensure a community of trust and safety

· Participate in planning emergent curriculum that meets the needs of individual learning styles

· Support children in building independence and confidence, and guide them in becoming responsible integral members of their class community

· Treat each child with dignity and respect, and approach all interactions with empathy and understanding

· Observe and respond to children’s physical needs, including toileting and first-aid.

· Actively participate in staff development meetings and contribute during meetings with your team (one whole-school staff meeting per month either on zoom or in-person)

· Participate in school-based and other professional development opportunities, some of which occur outside of school hours

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 33 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25