Overview
The Nature Preschool- Nature Teacher 2 is responsible for creating learning goals for children that support our inquiry and nature-based developmental program for preschool children with an emphasis on the outdoor environment as an outdoor classroom learning opportunity and setting for children. The Nature Preschool Teacher goals are to encourage students’ awareness, understanding, appreciation and protection of the environment, foster empathy and kindness towards others, and build a strong foundation of learning through hands on sensory experiences, constructing their knowledge, and skill building in all areas of child development.
Qualifications:
1. Commitment to the mission, vision, and core values of the ENC.
2. Create and maintain strong cooperative relationships and work cohesively with classroom team, other preschool staff, Nature Center staff, and volunteers.
3. Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling, curriculum planning and thinking.
4. Knowledge of California Department of Social Services-Community Care Licensing Division, Title 22 regulations.
5. Ability or willingness to handle a variety of animals including amphibians, etc.
Required Skills:
1. Associate degree from a two-year college with major course work in early childhood or child development education or higher degree is desired.
2. Minimum of 24 units of Early Childhood Education or related field.
3. Possession of Child Development Permit-Teacher level or higher. (Maintain active Child Development permit status while employed).
4. Outdoor Classroom Specialist Training – Level 1 required.
5. Two years of experience working with children in a preschool setting.
About Environmental Nature Center
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center (ENC) is a world class facility that provides transformative experiences resulting in a deeper connection to nature. The ENC’s mission is to provide quality education through hands-on experience with nature. Our vision is to provide equitable access and inspire all to protect the natural world by serving as our community’s leader in ecological responsibility, sustainable practices and environmental education. The ENC connects over 50,000 community members to nature annually through school field trips, Traveling Naturalist programs, community programs, nature camps, service learning programs, and professional development programs.
The ENC’s 5-acre Newport Beach campus features 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitat, walking trails, and sustainably designed construction. The ENC’s LEED Platinum certified facilities are nationally recognized and provide an essential connection between nature and the built environment.
