Preschool Assistant Teacher – Summer
Position Details | |
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Duration | Seasonal: June 16–August 8, 2025 Monday–Thursday from 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Friday from 8:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. |
Position Type | Seasonal, Nonexempt |
Additional Details | Compensation: $16.50–$18.50/hour |
Location |
Dodge Nature Preschool 1715 Charlton Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118 |
Contact Number | 651-455-4555 |
Position Description
Dodge Nature Preschool seeks an Assistant Teacher to work collaboratively with the summer teaching team in fulfilling the school’s mission of meeting children’s developmental needs while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world. This role is part of a teaching team of three that oversees up to four classroom groups with up to 20 children per group.
Dodge Nature Preschool follows an emergent curriculum with a social-constructivist approach. The Preschool operates as part of Dodge Nature Center on the Main Property, with 110 acres of woodlands, prairie, ponds, and wetlands to explore. This site is also home to a model farm with animals, large gardens, a greenhouse, apple orchard, maple syrup making facility, and a bee apiary. A state-of-the-art preschool building with three outdoor/indoor classrooms provide early childhood nature education throughout the seasons.
The Assistant Teacher will supervise children with special attention to encouraging positive self-concept and enthusiasm for the discovery process. They keep expectations of children developmentally and individually appropriate, support children during daily routines and transitions, and handle discipline issues as opportunities for learning. This role is responsible for setting up and maintaining classroom supplies and supporting lead teachers in carrying out high-quality, nature-based early childhood curriculum
Job Functions and Key Responsibilities
Implementing Curriculum & Supervising Preschoolers
- Implement emergent curriculum using a constructivist, inquiry-based & Reggio Emilia approach.
- Support the Lead Teachers in delivering programming with special attention to nature-based education.
- Facilitate small group activities and lead whole group experiences such as reading a story.
- Supervise children in work and play in classroom, playground, and nature center grounds.
- Adhere to the code of Ethics of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Maintenance and Cleaning
- Prepare and care for the classroom and playground including snack set-up and cleaning up kitchen and bathroom area after each session.
- Wash art materials and other equipment after class sessions, tidy centers in preparation for the next session of children, and set out and pick up playground equipment.
- Provide care for classroom animals including cleaning cages, feeding, and other needs.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with co-teachers and school administrators.
- Support Lead Teachers in maintaining an attractive, functional, and appropriate learning environment that meets quality and safety standards set by Licensing and NAEYC.
Playing an active role in the operation of Dodge Nature Center and Preschool
- Attend weekly staff meetings, open house (June 19, 4:00–6:00 p.m.), family picnic (July 17, 4:30–7:00 p.m.), and in-service training.
- Work with Dodge Nature Center naturalists to provide activities for preschoolers on Dodge Nature Center grounds.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Qualifies as an assistant teacher as per MN Administrative Rule 9503.0033.
- One year of experience working with young children as an Aide, Student Intern, or similar role.
- Ability to communicate clearly with parents, co-teachers, and children.
- Ability to supervise children for up to six hours per day in a classroom, playground, and throughout the nature center grounds in all types of weather.
- Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds to waist level.
Preferred Qualifications
- Baccalaureate degree in any field from an accredited college or university, or Associate’s degree in Child Development or Early Childhood Education, or a current Child Development Associate credential or willingness to obtain.
- Work experience in a licensed childcare center and/or NAEYC accredited program.
- Work experience or education in nature-based education and/or the Reggio Emilia approach.
Dodge Nature Preschool welcomes all families and values diversity in the broadest sense including ethnicity, ability, gender identity, gender expression, family structure, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstances and religion. Our school seeks to promote equitable access to nature-based early childhood education for all communities, especially those for whom access has been denied historically. We acknowledge our responsibility to work to challenge bias and prejudice and listen to the voices of our community.
Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.
How to Apply
Application deadline: February 17, 2025. Please send cover letter and resume to:
Amy Warzybok, Preschool Director
[email protected]
Pronouns: She, Her, Hers