Position Title: Preschool Teacher - Nature Focused

Type of Position: Part-Time, Hourly, Renewable each school year

Hours: 10 hours per week

To Apply: See instructions below

School Schedule: Thursdays & Fridays: 7:45 to 12:15, with additional, flexible training hours in October depending on candidate availability.

Position Start Date: Preferred start date is November 2, 2023.

Location: Milwaukie, near the border of SE Portland

Wage: $27.00/hour

School Website: https://www.littlehousenatureschool.com

Video featuring Little House preschool program): https://vimeo.com/397284898/5765541131

Program Overview:

Little House offers a morning preschool and afternoon pre-k nature program dedicated to play-based learning. We believe that learning is in every relationship a child develops - with themselves, others and the world around them. Our program takes place mostly outside or in open air sheltered spaces year-around. Our natural play-scapes and spacious property, located on the Johnson Creek watershed, offer the perfect backdrop for inspired outdoor learning.

Our morning classes are for preschool age children, three to five years old. Our afternoon Pre-K to Kinder nature classes are for children 4.5 through the fifth year.

Under our care, children engage in a rich array of outdoor learning. They build forts with branches, create fairy gardens, and climb trees. They dig, plant and harvest in our gardens. They search for worms, beetles and snails. They watch birds, spiders, bees and butterflies. They care for (and sometimes chase) our chickens, and they make nature-inspired art. We safely and supportively foster these learning activities, helping children build stamina and resilience. We allow for supervised age-appropriate risk taking to develop strength and confidence.

Position Description:

As a nature-based preschool teacher, you will care for a group of 10 children for three and a half hours, two mornings per week. A classroom assistant will support you in your work. In our open-air classrooms, and outdoors, you will guide the children as they play, explore and work with others in all seasons and all weather. You will work closely with the Lead Teacher, who leads her own class of ten. Together you will:

• Create opportunities for year-around play-based learning in nature;
• Lead activities that inspire children with a sense of curiosity and wonder;
• Build communication and social skills with empathy, patience and mindful attention;
• Meet children’s physical and emotional needs, fostering skill-building & independence;
• Orchestrate the energy of the group while attending to children's individual needs; and
• Interact with parents warmly and authenticity at pick-up and drop-off.

Desired Qualities:

• Passionate and curious about teaching
• Loves the outdoors and natural learning
• Artful, playful and spontaneous
• Finds joy in singing, storytelling and creative exploration
• Familiar with play-based learning approaches
• Warm, kind and approachable
• Confident in working independently
• Open and authentic in your communication
• Good listening and keen observation skills
• Dependable and motivated

Essential Qualifications:

• Two years’ experience working with more than five children at a time;
• Strong interest in outdoor programs and nature-based education. Enthusiasm for working outdoors or open-air environments year-around.
• Solid understanding of child development in the early years;
• Ability to enroll in the Central Background Registry before you begin;
• Commitment to obtaining a food handlers card and any required certifications within 30 days of employment.

To Apply:

Include a resume with your application.

In your cover letter, share your answers to three questions (200 words or less per question):

• What excites you about this position?
• What makes you uniquely suited for this position?
• If you haven’t included it in the above answers, tell us about your specific experience working outdoors and/or with children?