Nature-Based Early Childhood Teacher - Part Time

Job Description

Job Description

Love being outdoors? Passionate about nature-based learning? We want you!

Under the direction of the Youth Development Director, and working with the Lead Teacher, the Teacher is responsible for management of our innovative nature-based preschool classroom. Our program embraces outdoor learning in all seasons, providing children with authentic connections to the natural world while fostering their growth and development.

This is perfect for someone who thrives in outdoor environments and believes that nature is one of the best classrooms for young learners. You'll spend significant time outdoors with children, rain or shine, snow or sun, creating meaningful learning experiences that connect children to their environment and community.

Hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 1:00pm

Your responsibilities will include:

• Inclusion - Honor the YMCA of Southern Maine’s Promise Statement. Models a commitment to equity and inclusion. Creates a safe environment that helps all feel welcome and respected. Promotes feelings of mutual respect, acceptance, and appreciation. Supports people with unique experiences or points of view to share their perspectives.
• Nature-Based Programming – Create and implement outdoor, nature-focused curriculum, activities and materials that meet the unique physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs of children in our community, consistent with YMCA processes and goals. Use natural environments as learning spaces, fostering children's connection to nature while supporting their development through hands-on, experiential learning. Assist children to grow through individual achievements and peer group interactions.
• Outdoor Leadership – Lead engaging outdoor programming in all weather conditions, ensuring children have meaningful nature experiences year-round. Provide effective supervision and support safety by actively participating in activities with children. Model enthusiasm for outdoor learning and help children develop confidence and resilience in natural environments.
• Leadership – Is a collaborative, engaged, and positive role model for all at the Y through good work habits, positive attitude, and respect for the YMCA’s values and rules, including communicating in an effective and timely manner and making sound decisions. Follows all Healthy Eating and Physical Activity and 5-2-1-0 Let’s Go guidelines in the classroom
• Relationship Building – Develop positive, authentic relationships within the Y that lead to greater awareness of the Y’s mission and impact, growth in number of people served, as well as revenue. Listens and expresses self effectively and with an understanding of the needs of a particular audience. Encourages family involvement and communicates their child’s development, needs and changes effectively
• Personal Growth – Maintains a high degree of emotional maturity and interpersonal skills and is committed to personal growth and skill acquisition. Is an active participant in all trainings and meetings.
• Operations & Safety – Ensures the health and safety of each child and follows all YMCA protocols and rules and applicable licensing standards. Keeps group and program areas safe, clean and orderly. Ensures all equipment is in working order and notifies Director when supplies are needed. Provides rapid and timely response to all accidents, situations, incidents and emergencies appropriately, calmly and professionally using proper techniques and completes incident reports as needed. Reports all concerns to Director.
• Data Tracking & Documentation –Maintains accurate and consistent data tracking and documentation, as required.

We’re looking for someone with:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (or be actively enrolled in a GED or HiSET preparation program).
• Twelve months of experience working in an age-appropriate child care-related position.
• Enthusiasm for outdoor education and comfort working outside in all weather conditions
• Willingness to learn and grow in nature-based education practices (CDA training is beneficial but not required - we'll provide on-the-job training!)
• Effective interpersonal skills, with a customer service focus.
• Ability to work independently as well as within teams to complete all work in a timely and effective manner.
• Attention to detail and excellent organizational and decision-making skills.

Additionally, the right candidate must:

• Be 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel locally.
• Be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete a criminal background check, including fingerprinting through the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), prior to hire. This will be paid for by the YMCA of Southern Maine.

Salary

$19.00 - 20.00/hour, depending on experience.

We invite you to join us in this amazing work — to develop your skills, to realize your potential and to discover a career that connects children with the natural world while building an inclusive, healthy community.

About the YMCA

The Y is filled with passionate leaders, thinkers and doers. Whether a camp counselor, program director or fitness instructor, we all share a common goal to serve and make our community healthier, happier and stronger.

We look for people who will show up as their whole self because we value diversity and inclusion, as well as people who enjoy working on a team and with the public. If you can see yourself at the Y, please read on!

Employee Perks

• Free membership!
• Generous program discounts – including swim lessons and camp!
• Earned Paid Leave
• Meaningful assistance programs like mentoring and retirement (403(b)).
• Training, certification and advancement opportunities.

A Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We commit to inclusion in our mission and in our hiring practices by promising to make the Y open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or financial circumstances, without discrimination.