Nature Preschool Assistant

Position Available:
Nature Preschool Assistant 
Status: Part-time, Permanent
Application deadline: Position open until filled

Come awaken your natural sense of wonder at Nature Preschool! Join us as we jump in puddles, make mud pies and study every part of a frog’s life cycle through real-life, hands-on experiences. 

Job Summary: Chippewa Nature Center is in search of a Nature Preschool Assistant with a passion for supporting 3- and 4-year old children and their teaching team as they explore the natural world. Nature Preschool is a high-quality, play-based program which uses research-based curriculum practices to implement developmentally appropriate early childhood education with nature at its core. Nature Preschoolers and staff experience the ecosystems at Chippewa Nature Center through engaging lessons and enriching exploration.

Objective: To work alongside our teaching teams to provide a premier early childhood environment which meets the developmental needs of the whole child while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist with the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group
2. Accompany classes during indoor and outdoor exploration experiences
3. Prepare snacks, activities, and materials with the support of the teaching team
4. Help with overall sanitation and tidiness of classroom and supplies
5. Serve as a substitute teacher within the Nature Preschool Program as needed
6. Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

1. Interest or experience in early childhood education
2. Interest or experience in nature-based/outdoor education
3. Strong communication skills
4. Reliable transportation
5. Able to lift up to 50 lbs
6. Able to hike over rugged terrain

Preferred:

1. Coursework, certification, or degree in early childhood education, child development, or environmental education

Status: Part-time, permanent

Reports to: Preschool Director; Preschool Teachers

Schedule: Up to 30 hrs/wk; 34 weeks; schedule negotiable

Start date: September 5, 2024

Compensation and Benefits: $14/hour, paid sick time, CNC membership, 20% discount in CNC store; 10% discount on registered programs 

Application procedure: Send resume and cover letter to Madison Powell at mpowell@chippewanaturecenter.org or Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Overview: CNC is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. The 1,500-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Chippewa Nature Center is committed to creating a workplace and visitor experience where all people feel valued for their unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives. Staff, volunteers, program participants, visitors, and all those who engage with the nature center are invited to fully connect with CNC regardless of their race, color, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, marital status, political affiliation, or parental status. Through ongoing learning, training, and listening, CNC strives to welcome all people.

Equal Opportunity Employer: CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.