Status: Full time, permanent; 43-week/year position with year-round benefits
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.
Chippewa Nature Center is in search of teachers with a passion for nurturing learning and investigation in 3- and 4-year old children. Nature Preschool is a 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. Our teaching teams are highly trained and well supported with three full-time teachers in each classroom.
Objective: To work within a teaching team 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 & Responsibilities:
1. Responsible for the health, safety and welfare of all children in the group
2. Teach and develop curriculum of Nature Preschool in conjunction with other members of the teaching team
3. Communicate with parents both formally and informally, individually and in groups
4. Assure that classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Michigan Department of Human Services, Office of Children and Adult Licensing and the Michigan Department of Education’s Great Start Readiness Program
5. Overall planning for equipment and supply needs in conjunction with teaching team and other program staff
6. Conduct regular assessment of children
7. Conduct home visits and parent teacher conferences
8. Contribute to the development, implementation and review of Nature Preschool policies, procedures and activities in conjunction with the Nature Preschool Director, as appropriate
9. Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Required:
1. Associates degree or higher
2. Teaching experience
3. Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice and the ability to implement that knowledge
4. Must have the creativity, flexibility and understanding necessary for working with children, parents and co-workers
5. Effective verbal and written communication skills
6. Computer literacy including working knowledge of Windows platform and Microsoft Office software package
7. Ability to meet the physical demands of the position (i.e., daily outdoor hiking, lift 50
pounds)
8. Currently hold certification in child and adult CPR and basic first aid or willingness to become
certified
Preferred:
1. One to five years teaching experience
2. Experience in nature-based and/or play-based early childhood education
3. Valid Michigan teaching certificate with an Early Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-
General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement; or Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or Early
Childhood
4. Education with a specialization (major not minor) in preschool teaching Status: Full time,
permanent; 43-week/year position with year-round benefits Reports to: Madison Powell, Nature
Preschool Director
Schedule: Mid-August to mid-June, 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday
Start Date: August 19, 2024
Compensation & Benefits: $24,000-28,000 Full time (43 weeks), paid vacation, holidays, and sick
time, health insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, 403(b) annuity plan with
voluntary additional contribution, voluntary participation in flexible spending and dependent care
accounts, staff uniform, CNC membership, 20% discount in Nature Center Store, 10% discount on
registered program member fee.
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 a River Overlook, Ecosystem Gallery, Wildlife Viewing Area and more; an 1870s Homestead Farm
complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and 19 miles of trails. Visit 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.
