Nature-based Preschool Teacher

Summary

The Redwing Pond House is located on over 100 acres of property on the grounds of the Ansonia Nature Center in Ansonia, Connecticut. The program operates on a school year calendar, with summer camps also offered for four weeks. Our curriculum is driven by the changes in seasons and our observations in nature, strengthened by our daily excursions on the beautiful property around the school. The Pond House is a high-quality, inclusive early learning program serving children ages three to five years old. We provide a nurturing, play-based environment that supports the holistic development of every child and fosters strong partnerships with families and the community, introducing and encouraging a love of the natural environment with our youngest learners.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Education teacher to join our team helping to develop and implement a multi-sensory, hands on, nature-based curriculum. This teacher must be eager to employ play-based, emergent learning led by children, and facilitate warm, professional relationships with the families in our community. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, play-based environment that supports the holistic development of every child and fosters strong partnerships with families and the community. The teacher is responsible for creating learning goals for children that support our inquiry-based developmental program with an emphasis on the outdoor environment as our classroom.

Duties

Curriculum and Instruction: Develop, implement, and lead a nature-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate and emergent, based on children's interests
Outdoor Engagement: Spend a significant portion of each day outdoors with children, guiding play, exploration, and learning in both good and inclement weather.
Child Well-being: Create a safe, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes exploration, learning, and social-emotional development. Ensure the physical and emotional safety of each child by supervising them closely and addressing their daily needs.
Observation and Documentation: Observe, assess, and document children's development using a variety of methods, and use this data to inform individualized planning and family partnerships
Communication: Build positive, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues through effective communication, empathy, and cultural responsiveness. Collaborate with co-teachers and families through informal discussions, daily debriefs, and formal conferences. Work with team members to ensure smooth daily operations, share ideas and resources, and contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts
Classroom Management: Assist in maintaining both indoor and outdoor learning environments, and organizing supplies and equipment.
Health and Safety: Follow all health, safety, and state regulations, respond to emergencies, and administer first aid as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with preschool-aged children (e.g., 3-5 years) in a licensed early learning setting
• Deep knowledge of child development theories, early learning standards, social-emotional learning and developmentally appropriate practices
• Strong skills in positive guidance, classroom management, and differentiated instruction
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competence in working with diverse children, families, and colleagues
• Ability to build warm, supportive relationships and create a joyful, engaging learning environment
• Passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and advocating for the importance of early childhood education
• Demonstrated passion for nature-based education and environmental stewardship
• Physical ability to participate in outdoor activities, comfort with working outdoors in all weather conditions
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Background check clearance

Benefits

Our program offers a competitive salary and paid time off. We are committed to supporting the professional growth and well-being of our staff through regular coaching, mentoring, and leadership development opportunities.
The Redwing Pond House Preschool is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.