Preschool Mentor

We are the Village Nest Cooperative, a new program based out of the John F Hall Grange Hall in Eliot, Maine. Our philosophy is that “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!” We are outside regardless of the weather and spend the majority of our time there. We do all of our teaching without the four walls of a classroom. At the Village Nest Cooperative, we believe that it takes a village to raise well-rounded young naturalists and inspire future confidence in learning environments. 

Mentors are responsible for the well-being of the children under their care. They must monitor the children all day using Active Supervision and Risk Vs. Hazard Assessments to ensure that they play and interact with one another in a safe and appropriate manner.

“We  strives to nurture children in a child-led Emergent environment. We emphasize play-based learning with an focus on environmental education to creates a diverse opportunity for children to learn.”

Mentors work to ensure that children have fun and receive proper attention. Their job is to lead crafts and activities, oversee outdoor time, perform first aid for cuts and scrapes and administer medication to children with medical conditions or allergies. They may also change diapers of children between the ages of 2.5 to 5.

Mentor Characteristics:

• A self-starter, flexible and reliable that enjoys working with children ages 4-10 years old
• Committed to teach all winter vacation weeks based off Eliot, Portsmouth, York, and Kittery public school schedule
• Assisting the lead teacher with 12 Microschool students daily (math, science, social studies, literacy, STEM, and fine arts)
• Navigating social-emotional and conflict resolution according to VNC standards
• Assist in implementing PreK, K and grade 1 curriculum based off the Maine State Standards for elementary education
• Document the daily excitement through video/photographs on school iPhone
• Responsible for handling first Aid emergencies in the woods, carrying first aid backpack into woods and restocking first aid backpack
• Responsible for properly disposing of waste according to Leave No Trace
• Adhering to VNC Staff and Parent Handbooks and Maine State Licensing Guidelines

VNC Mentors skills and qualifications

A Mentor must be skilled in interacting with and providing basic care to children of various ages. Some of the most important skills and qualifications they should have include:

• Behavioral analysis and cognitive recognition abilities for anticipating and addressing potential interactions or issues
• Valid CPR and first-aid certifications
• Caring and compassionate attitude when interacting with and caring for children
• Strong verbal communication and listening skills to converse with children, fellow professional caregivers and parents or guardians
• Excellent patience and stamina for keeping up with the demands of children of all ages
• Advanced multitasking and organizational skills to handle multiple children at a time
• Must be able to lift and maintain 40 lbs, run and have good physical endurance. Able to be on your feet for a long period of time. This person must be willing to be outside in all types of weather.

Hourly: Starting at $18/hour with room for growth
Hours: 9-5:30 (or applicable to this mentor)
Benefits: Paid time off, Mental Health days, Trainings paid for, etc.

VNC Mentor education and training requirements
· Must have a GED for higher
· Must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certifications
· Must be willing to complete 30 Hours of Professional Development training annually

VNC Mentor experience requirements
1+ Years of Early Childhood Education experience preferred, will train the right candidate

How to apply:

Please send letter of interest and resume to: Katie Clark, katie@villagenestcooperative.com