Summer Nature Educator for Preschool Aged Children

CEED- Center for Environmental Education and Discovery is looking for a dynamic, energetic educator ready to immerse children in nature with a child-centered, play-based approach. We are launching our Summer preschool-aged opportunity for children ages three to five from July 6th through August 21st, the position will be part-time, approximately 20 hours per week (M-F)

Program Description: CEED has become well known in our region for opening the world of nature to thousands of K-12 students each year. Now we are excited to share with our community’s preschoolers the wonders and joys of the natural world with Dewdrop Discoveries, which runs from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday - Friday. Our constructivist (play-based) teaching style and our low 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio give space for each child to explore the world around them, ask questions, discover their creativity, and learn how to grasp fundamental concepts. Our days will begin indoors, and we’ll then spend the majority of our class outside investigating the world. CEED sits on over 70 acres of hiking trails and often partners with our next-door neighbor, Mama Farm, to offer experiences of interacting with farm animals.

What we are looking for in our candidates-

• An associate or bachelor's degree (or working toward a degree) in education or any science related to nature or conservation. Direct experience will also be considered in lieu of a degree. This shows you have a vested interest in topics that are important to us.
• Experience and a strong desire to work with young children and knowledge of human development.
• Personal interest in nature and the environment.
• Strong questioning skills and strategies- we strive to guide children in the thinking process. Children learn best when they direct and own their learning.
• Ability to manage a group of children in a child-centered learning environment while providing a safe space physically, emotionally, and mentally.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to make a schedule and know when to adjust and adapt it. You never know when you are going to find something interesting in nature.
• Willingness to follow all health and safety policies and procedures.

What we consider bonus features-

• Degree or certification in education
• Solid experience leading children in a nature-based learning environment
• CPR/First Aid certification
• Strong background in constructive/play-based learning environments that promote student-centered learning
• Fluency in another language in addition to English.
• Ability and knowledge of working with animals
• Experience with different forms of art

Pay will be $20 - $24 per hour based on experience.

If interested, please submit your letter of interest, two references, and a resumé to [email protected]

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Work Location: In person