JOB DESCRIPTION: Lead Teacher for The Children's Education Center of the Islands
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Employment type: Temporary
Reports to: Corina Dekker, Executive Director of the Children's Education Center of the Island
Regular hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30-2:30
Location: 350 Casa Ybel Rd. Sanibel, FL 33957
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DESCRIPTION OF ROLE
Lead teacher works to facilitate outdoor classes with children ages 4-5 years old. Tasks include thoughtful curriculum design. Lead teachers set the tone for learning as engaged, enthusiastic role models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive learning atmosphere.
Position requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers and parents, and open dialogue about children’s progress. Position may also include writing content.
About The Children's Education Center of the Islands
The Children's Education Center of the Islands is a place created to support and connect young children, families, and teachers to their natural environment. All humans, especially children, are entitled to play and learn outdoors. Nature-based learning has vast benefits and should be readily available to all children; regardless of location, socioeconomic status, culture, race, or religion. The Children's Ecuation Center of the Islands provides nature connection experiences as well as an exceptional early childhood education program that complies with local, state, and national standards.
The goals of The Children's Education Center of the Islands are:
- To honor young children as independent, capable thinkers through child-directed, experiential, place-based approaches to learning;
- To engage in a rhythm of reflection, inquiry, observation, trial-and-error, risk-taking, perseverance, discussion, problem-solving, expression, and teamwork through a balance of emergent curriculum, intentional activities, and unstructured nature play;
- To offer opportunities for children to explore identity in the context of nature and the larger community, while cultivating kindness, empathy, compassion, and gratitude; and
- To model best practices and approaches to nature-based early childhood education
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Nurture individualized needs of children while managing whole group experiences and unstructured play in nature.
- Set-up/break-down program spaces
- Collaborate with other teachers, volunteers, and /or parents.
- Utilize an emergent curriculum plan and ‘sketch of the day’ based on children’s and seasonal interests.
- Document emergent learning processes
- Manage materials and equipment; request/order new materials as needed.
- Participate in authentic child assessment, self-evaluation, and program evaluation.Other duties that support families, children, staff, and/or volunteers of the program may be also assigned.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION
- Minimum of two years working with young children
- Valid credentials to work in an Florida-licensed preschool program
Qualities:
Love of children
Love of nature
Patient, compassionate disposition
Eager to grow and learn with others
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & TRAINING
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Proficient use of social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter, and FaceBook
Excited to lead outdoor programs in all kinds of weather
Flexible mindset and positive attitude
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- Early Childhood Education: 1 year (Preferred)
- Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- Child Development Associate Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
