Position Starts Summer or Fall 2024

Opportunity: We invite you to join us at the leading edge of the early childhood education field. Be an Assistant Teacher in our Nature-Exploration program. You will have the opportunity to work with a small class of children in a private school dedicated to diversity and multilingualism. You must be love the outdoors and be enthusiastic about connecting young children to nature. You will have an opportunity to grow in your career. Salary range is based upon experience, skill, and credentials.

Qualifications:

Fluent in Spanish OR Mandarin

• Professional experience in early childhood education, camp counseling, elementary education, or significant personal experience spending time in nature with children (family hiking, camping, etc...)
• Enjoy being outdoors in all weather, including rain and freezing weather
• Respect for and comfort with all living things is essential. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with everything nature has to offer, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals, and everything in between, including insects, worms, and animal scat. A sense of awe and wonder for all forms of life is a must.
• Enthusiastic about doing nature science and team building with young children outdoors
• Strong classroom management skills

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Lead Teacher:

· Ensure the safety and well-being of students: This is our top priority. As we look to admit more students, your role in maintaining a safe learning environment is crucial. This includes being aware of group dynamics, environmental hazards, and providing basic first aid when needed.

· Foster an environment of exploration and independence: We value and understand the importance of risky play. You will be responsible for encouraging students to explore, take calculated risks, and develop independence, all within the boundaries of safety.

· Assist the lead teacher: You will collaborate with and support the lead teacher in facilitating the daily schedule and implementing both outdoor activities and indoor academic lessons.

· Participate in planning and preparation: This includes attending planning meetings as well as arriving well-prepared each program day with all equipment and personal gear needed.

About Morningside PlayCare: We are a play-based early childhood program serving many Columbia University affiliated families. Morningside PlayCare is a Spanish and Mandarin immersion program located on the the Upper West Side in a new and lovely facility. Our play-based curriculum is inspired by Waldorf and Flying Deer Nature Center. We also have a Dual Language UPK program.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience working in a nature school or sleep away camp?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Summer Camp or Personal Camping: 1 year (Required)
• forest, camp, or wilderness: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish or Mandarin (Required)
• English (Required)

Work Location: In person