**$500 SIGN ON BONUS**

Overview

At Prairie Flower Children’s Center, we seek to nurture children’s innate senses of wonder, curiosity and gratitude, and to honor their vital need for an unpressured childhood where imagination, creativity and self-discovery can bloom. For more than 25 years, we have provided children in Ames, Iowa, and beyond with a nature-based, love-centered and belonging-based early childhood experience.

At a time when parents are feeling pressure to “ready” even their toddlers and preschoolers for future school and college careers, Prairie Flower Children’s Center is fiercely committed to protecting the simplicity and wonderment of early childhood. We believe all children have the inherent capacity and desire to learn through play, deep connection to nature and place and a curriculum that nurtures their minds, bodies and spirits.

Our Programs

We offer a range of early childhood programs, including year-round morning-only or full-time preschool and mixed-age kindergarten for children ages 3.5-6; after-school programs and summer camps for children ages 5-12; and a parent-child playgroup for children 18 months to 3 years old and their caregivers. We also hold occasional community festivals for families to strengthen ties and celebrate our shared connection to seasonal rhythms.

We are located at 1517 Northwestern Ave in central Ames, which isn’t a far walk from nearby woods. We rent two classrooms (but are otherwise not affiliated with) Bethesda Lutheran Church.

Job Description

We are seeking two assistant teachers who believe in the importance of unpressured childhood to help support all facets of our preschool programs. In this role, you’ll help supervise and guide children both in the classroom and during our woodland explorations, and assist with daily setup and cleanup for the program.

If you enjoy working with children, this position is a unique opportunity to gain experience with nature-based education and forest school philosophy while nurturing young children during a vital phase of their growth.

The desired start date for one of the positions is May 3rd; the other is June 3rd.

One of the positions needed is for the mornings, Monday-Friday (8-noon, or hours close to this).

The other position is for afternoons, Monday-Friday (1-6 pm, or hours close to this).

We are willing to consider candidates interested in working summer 2024 only, though prefer candidates interested in working at Prairie Flower long-term. We will also consider other schedules (e.g. Monday-Wednesday-Friday) for applicants who meet the qualifications and share a passion for our mission.

As the assistant preschool teacher, you will:

• Support the center director and lead teacher in carrying out the preschool curriculum. This will include: Supervising children during indoor activities that include story time, circle time, craft projects, music and free play; supervising children during outdoor activities that include free play outside, hikes to the woods in all seasons and weather and other outdoor exploration of nature.
• Help with meal preparation and support children as they learn to make meals and clean up after themselves
• Help prepare the classroom for programming each day and tidy up at the end of a session.
• Staff occasional weekend festivals that take place once or twice a semester (not relevant if working only over the summer). This could include helping the center director to plan for and set up the event, supporting children and families in activities or games, serving refreshments or other forms of support as needed
• Assist with administrative tasks as needed

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Diligent, dependable, self-motivated and organized
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to communicate courteously and clearly with other teachers, children, parents and other people connected with center affairs
• A positive, playful and patient attitude
• Able to give and take constructive, respectful feedback
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to learn and adapt quickly
• Respect for each child’s unique personality and temperament, and able or willing to learn how to lovingly mediate classroom conflicts between children while setting appropriate boundaries
• A commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming classroom for all children and families
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds and to hike nearby rugged terrain
• Able to be outdoors daily during all seasons (sun, rain, snow, cold down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit)
• First aid and CPR certification, or a willingness to get certified before starting in the job

Bonus Additional Qualifications and Characteristics

• A degree or formal training in early childhood education, or prior experience working with young children
• A love of the outdoors and a positive attitude to weather in all its manifold seasonal expressions
• Knowledge of and belief in the principles of nature-based education, or an interest in learning more about this approach to early childhood education
• Talent or experience in one or more creative arts or artisanal realms, such as art, music, writing, fiber arts, dance, theater, crafting, woodworking or other area
• Appreciation for and commitment to Prairie Flower’s mission

Benefits and How to Apply

These are part-time positions based in Ames, Iowa, with a pay rate starting at $13 per hour. Assistant teachers have time off during school-scheduled holiday breaks (same holidays as Ames Community School District, plus July 4, July 15-19).

There is a $500 SIGN ON BONUS; half to be paid upon hire and the second half to be paid at the end of the summer.

We offer professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance and small class sizes that allow for strong relationships with children and their families. The position reports to the Prairie Flower Children’s Center director.

To apply, please email your resume and two professional references. We will review applications on a rolling basis.

A cover letter is optional, but you are welcome to submit one if you think it would help us get to know you, your background, interests or vision better than by reading your resume alone. (We will consider all applications equally on their merits, with or without the submission of a cover letter.)

Questions? If you have questions about any aspect of the position or application process, please email us.

For a deeper understanding of our mission, values and what we do at Prairie Flower Children’s Center, please visit our website.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $13.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 30 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance

Grade levels:

• Kindergarten
• Pre-Kindergarten

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

School type:

• Private school

Ability to Relocate:

• Ames, IA 50010: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person