Nature-Based Preschool Assistant Teacher

Located on our 3-acre outdoor “classroom” and among the majestic woods and streams of Wolf Trap National Park, the Eastern Ridge School is seeking a full-time Assistant Teacher for our year-round nature-based preschool program working with toddlers and preschoolers. Candidates with direct experience, knowledge of, or desire to learn about forest schools or nature-based programs, play-based learning, Reggio Emilia and the Project Approach are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

• Support groups of up to nine children with hands-on, project based work and child led, play based learning in their outdoor “classroom” which includes a sprawling meadow, large vegetable garden, and a secluded wooded area.
• Support children while hiking, exploring, and playing at Wolf Trap National Park.
• Participate enthusiastically in outdoor exploration during all seasons and most weather conditions, as learning through outdoor play is a core element of our pedagogy.
• Respect and support children’s need to get muddy, messy and wet.
• Model and foster the social-emotional, sensory, motor and intellectual development of young children through collaborative play and project-based learning.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with lead teachers and parents.
• Compassionately support active children, and children with varied learning styles and needs

Qualifications:

• Is a team player, able to support, partner with, and participate in ongoing dialogue, reflection, coaching and reciprocal feedback with the lead teacher.
• Is able to spend considerable time outdoors daily, in all seasons, and most weather conditions.
• Has respect for the lives of all living creatures and wildlife.
• Strong communication skills
• Shows flexibility, teamwork, and willingness to support children and teachers throughout the school in addition to the regularly assigned group.
• Must have experience with preschool aged children
• Must be willing to have background checked.
• Is able to lift up to 40 lbs., spend considerable time standing and bending daily, and has adequate mobility to cover distances quickly and easily on various terrains (grassy, hills, roots, trails, mud).
• Bachelor's Degree Preferred.

How to Apply:

If you think you might be a great fit for our program, please send your resume, along with answers to the following questions:

• What specifically interests you about this position?
• Why do you think you would be a good fit for The Eastern Ridge School?

Job Type: Full-time, year-round, hourly

Salary: Starting at $18.50 per hour Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:15 - 4:15, with rotating opportunities to work until 5:15.

Benefits:

• Health/vision/dental
• Cell phone stipend
• 6+ weeks paid time off
• Support for professional development related to Early Childhood Development and Nature-Based Education
• Opportunity to learn with and be a part of a supportive team of teachers/mentors who are passionate about outdoor, nature-based early childhood education.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person