Nature Preschool Teacher (Education)

The salary for this position starts at $18.50 hourly. We take into consideration an individuals background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.
1. Job Summary:
The Nature Preschool Teacher delivers program curriculum primarily in an outdoor setting as well as the classroom. The incumbent works cooperatively with team members in the program and administrators to carry out the nature preschool mission and vision. The incumbent provides quality childcare services to children and families that focus on the YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and equity.
2. Essential Functions:
Develop and deliver nature based programs that are appropriate for the age/ability of the children while following safety and educational procedures.
Meet the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language development of the children.
Write lesson plans and implement schedules for the program that meet outcomes and the abilities of the children in small and large group activities.
Work with supervisor to implement emergent curriculum, nature based learning, and risky play initiatives within the established guidelines.
Prepare, lead, teach, and evaluate the success of the program.
Provide a progression of activities within the framework of individual and group interests and abilities that align with mission and outcomes.
Evaluate abilities of children and ensure they are following safety and educational procedures.
Develop and maintain a positive nature preschool community.
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of children within activities and throughout the site in order to meet the intended outcomes.
Apply Social Emotional Learning concepts and basic youth development principles in working with children through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment.
Ability to communicate and work with children and provide necessary instruction.
Assures children are properly supervised at all times.
Be aware of and implement safety guidelines within all of preschool indoor and outdoor areas.
Conduct family meetings and maintain communication with families.
Maintain high standards for health and mental health in all activities for children.
Provide daily care for every child in your care.
Ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist children in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of children.
Ability to identify and respond to child behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques in alignment with training and proactive response.
Ensure that children receive their medications as directed and all allergies are being managed properly.
Be alert to childrens needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems; discuss with director when appropriate.
Make ongoing, systematic observations and evaluations of each child.
Maintain high standards of safety in all activities for children.
Assist in maintaining accurate program records including incident reports, documentation, and daily attendance.
Maintain required program records and childrens files.
Maintain licensing/accreditation requirements.
Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with the program.
Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with the preschool program. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for childrens safety within your class at all times and being responsible for childrens safety and their whereabouts at all times.
Be alert to supplies, equipment, and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to leadership.
3. Relationships:
This position reports to the Program Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with children, families, and team members. The incumbent oversees and directs the daily work duties of assistant teachers. This position involves interaction with families, children, and team members from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
4. Qualifications:
Required:
Minimum 18 years of age.
Adult and child CPR or CPR/PR, First Aid, and AED Certifications within 30 days of hire date.
Minimum of one (1) season experience in nature preschool, outdoor education, camp, recreation, working with children, or in a related field.
A commitment to working with children and families in a developmental setting and a sincere desire to have a meaningful effect on their lives.
Able to plan, organize, implement, and execute developmentally appropriate program activities.
Excellent skills in teaching, communication, and human relations.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
Strong organizational and communication skill
Preferred:
Meet Minnesota DHS Rule 3 or Wisconsin HFS 46 Teacher qualifications, including yearly in service requirements.
5. Work Conditions:
Ability to recognize and react calmly and effectively in hazardous/dangerous situations.
May provide children with assistance in dealing with issues such as personal hygiene, medical needs, lifting, writing, etc.
May be exposed to verbal outbursts, physical actions or bodily fluids as part of the nature preschool environment.
Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in outdoor activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, farming, low ropes course initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
Must be capable of carrying loads of up to 90 pounds and able to traverse hilly and uneven terrain without undue exertion.
Work in conditions that will create dirt and dust.
Work in conditions that may require staff to use fire protection equipment, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and specialty program equipment.
Perform essential class support with activities and programs which may include, but not limited to the following activities: semi reaching to full-reach overhead, crouching, kneeling, shoveling, working in narrow and/or confining spaces underground, overhead, and at ground level, twisting of the waist, shoulders, and legs, and lying on stomach and/or back.
Must have visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
Must have the ability to physically manage and support children when needed for safety in general camp activities (child weighing 30 - 90 pounds).
Ability to perform a variety of tasks outdoor in different climate with daily exposure to the sun, heat, and animals such as bugs, snakes, horses, chickens, etc.
Additional Notes:
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from camp representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the camp or Association success.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the associations mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.