What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nature Preschool Aide position at Nature Forward?
Job Title: Nature Preschool Aide
Department: Environmental Education
Supervisor: Preschool Director
Position type and expected hours of work: Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week for 41 weeks annually
Location: Woodend
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Salary Range: Grade 10 (hourly) $18-$20/hour
Summary
The Nature Preschool at Woodend serves children ages 3-6 on a 40-acre nature sanctuary in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The Nature Preschool Aide helps create and maintain a safe, warm, and caring learning environment where children develop a strong sense of belonging and are encouraged to explore, take calculated risks, and grow in independence. The Nature Preschool Aide supports classroom teachers in guiding children's behavior in ways that promote self-regulation, self-awareness, and social-emotional development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Support an engaging and nurturing atmosphere while assisting with meaningful activities and experiences for children aged six and younger and their parents.
· Interact, guide, and play with the children at their physical level.
· Assist classroom teachers with set up and implementation of activities that are child-initiated, and cover physical, social/emotional, linguistic, and cognitive development.
· Assist with informal outdoor hikes and explorations for students and families.
· Maintain space and all supplies and equipment.
· Update class photo share site with photos taken during class.
· Act as a substitute teacher when needed.
Qualifications/Requirements
· Genuine love for working with young children
· Ability to work independently
· Effective verbal and written (including electronic) communication skills
· Dependable, adaptable, and enjoys working as part of a team
· Curiosity about the natural world
· Environmental Education or Early Childhood experience preferred
· Willingness to obtain all State of Maryland requirements for a Preschool Aide, including First Aid/CPR certification (The cost of needed training will be paid by Nature Forward.)
Physical Requirements
· Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
· Availability and willingness to work occasional weekends and evenings
· Ability to climb stairs, walk and hike on uneven, rocky and/or slippery surfaces
· Ability to explore the outdoors in all types of weather, year round
How to Apply
Email resume and a brief cover letter to carlos.duque@natureforward.org. Application review begins August 7, 2026. Position open until filled. Expected Start Date: 8/24/26.
Benefits
Medical & dependent care flexible spending accounts
403(b) retirement plan
Vacation and sick leave, pro rata
Nature Forward program and shop discounts
Nature Forward membership
For full details, refer to Employee Handbook, Chapter 4, Benefits and Insurance Coverage
Disclaimer: This job description is not a comprehensive listing of activities or responsibilities.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $18 - $20