Full Time Assistant Director of the Nature Preschool

Full Time Assistant Director of the Nature Preschool-
Irvine Nature Center

Overview
Irvine Nature Center is an environmental education non-profit situated on 212 acres in Owings Mills, MD. In addition to its educational programming, Irvine has an interactive exhibit hall and hiking trails. The Nature Preschool at Irvine is a MSDE licensed and NAEYC accredited childcare program for children 3-5 years old that spends at least 75% of each day outdoors learning foundational skills through hands-on experiences. We approach learning through play and exploration, centering our practice on the natural world and child-led learning.

Position Summary
We are currently hiring an educator to join our Early Childhood Education team as a full time Assistant Director of The Nature Preschool. In this new 10.5-month position, the Assistant Director collaborates with the Director to ensure the Preschool fulfills its promise of high quality and powerful nature- based learning through play. Together with the Director, the Assistant Director will oversee and facilitate our established nature-based preschool program of approximately 56 students and the return of our Fern Club AfterCare for up to 12 students at a time.

At the core of the Assistant Director’s role are strong relationships with all members of our Preschool community: the students, their families, our teaching staff, greater Irvine employees, and the Land. Throughout their work in supporting and eventually supervising staff, connecting with students, collaborating with families, and promoting the Preschool, the Assistant Director will communicate and safeguard The Nature Preschool’s mission and values and model a deep appreciation for and valuing of diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultures. The Assistant Director is an active participant in our daily classes and AfterCare program, providing hands-on help, coaching educators, and relishing in adventures. A love for nature, a comfort with mud, and a predisposition to nurture both young children and their teachers are a must!
This exciting new position is an opportunity for a passionate educator devoted to true play-based learning to help shape the future of our growing program. The right candidate has an interest in a long-term relationship that will include opportunities for role expansion and greater responsibility within the Preschool and organization.

Time Commitment
40 hours a week, 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday, August 8- June 23, (10.5 months with an opportunity to renew each school year)

Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate program records and staff/student files per COMAR and assist the Director in submitting documentation to MSDE and NAEYC
- Help set up, maintain, and order program materials
- Maintain student:staff ratios for classes
- Encourage and supervise child-led nature play and developmentally appropriate risk analysis
- Engage in regular on-going risk analysis and hazard mitigation with all staff
- Model developmentally appropriate positive interactions with students that promote inquiry, problem-solving, and peer collaboration
- Assist the Director in observing teachers to identify areas in need of development
- Nurture a collaborative work culture in which a staff of approximately 8 individuals feel supported and empowered to facilitate high quality nature-based classes for the whole child
- Aid teaching staff in curriculum design and implementation and assessing student growth
- Shape the return of our 3-hour AfterCare program, Fern Club, with the AfterCare staff
- Collaborate with the Director in planning and leading Preschool staff meetings and actively participate in Preschool and general Irvine Staff meetings
- Establish rich, supportive relationships with families via conversation and messages
- Assist the Director in documenting learning to promote the program
- Participate in community outreach events such as open houses and public community events
- Authentically reflect and evaluate self-practice and programs
- Attend required on-going professional development courses as required by MSDE

Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years (5+ preferred) teaching experience with preschool age children, preferably in an outdoor or nature-based setting and a firm understanding of child development
- Demonstrated understanding of and dedication to child-led learning through play including adventurous play, process art, and messy sensory experiences
- A college degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Elementary Education, or related fields
- 90-hour MSDE childcare certification or the ability to complete it by August, 2022
- Current First Aid and CPR certification or ability to complete by end of August, 2022
- Proficient in basic Microsoft programs such as Word and Excel, etc.
- Empathic leader that employs active listening in their relationships with adults and children
- Strong oral and written communication skills that support and inspire staff and facilitate meaningful conversations between all parties
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a collaborative team
- Self- motivated and self-directed
- Highly organized as well as flexible
- Willingness to get dirty and handle live creatures (small and large)
- Physically able to walk up to 2 miles a day, in all weather, and lift objects of up to 50lbs
- Dedication to self-reflection and a desire to continually improve your craft and grow
- Willingness to meet children’s individual needs, through an extra long embrace, validation of their emotions, employing a silly voice, and/or the time to work through big emotions
- Has a back pocket of ideas and activities for engaging students and redirecting behavior
The ideal candidate
- Has achieved MSDE child-care director status or has the child care credential
- Has experience with MSDE child-care regulations
- Is experienced with emergent curriculum, planning loosely, and teaching “off script”
- Is warm, approachable, and joyful
- Enjoys silly play, music, and the arts
- Has a strong base knowledge of local flora and fauna or a willingness to learn
- Has completed coursework in forest schooling, nature-based education, or similar
- Has practical skills in fire-making, bushcraft, and/or similar
- Approaches challenges with calm and a sense of humor

Salary: starting 10-month salary of $37,000 (equal to $21 an hour) and incudes full benefits including health insurance and retirement matching

Please note, employment is contingent upon completing and passing a criminal background check and fingerprinting and submission of proof of COVID-19 vaccination or approved waiver.

How to apply:

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the attention of:
Katie Rooney, Director of Early Childhood Education Programs, Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117
or email HR@ExploreNature.org