Lead Teachers Needed - Partial Outdoor Preschool - $16-20 Doe

Summary
We are committed to providing an educational program that is challenging, creative, nurturing and child-centered. By offering an inviting, stimulating environment and developmentally appropriate programs, we see that each child’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth is encouraged and valued. We believe learning should be a joyful experience and encourage each child on their own journey of exploration and curiosity while developing a life-long love of learning.
Our philosophy is based upon both the Reggio-Emilia and Forest School approach. Our belief is that children are competent individuals who can construct their own meaning of their experiences. The teacher’s role is not to provide all the correct answers, rather to provide a setting for discovery and learning.
Our approach is hands-on and multi-sensory. We recognize that children have a natural curiosity and a predisposition to enjoy the unexpected. Children engage in active exploration and investigation to make sense of their world. This happens through trial and error, taking risks and challenging themselves. We strive to fuel children’s investigative impulses by encouraging discovery, promoting questioning, challenging ideas, and assisting the children in formulating connections and experiences.
We appreciate and respect children’s multiple ways of demonstrating their intelligence. Children are encouraged to develop their individual strengths and each child’s unique contribution to their community is appreciated. Their individuality and strengths are celebrated and valued while opportunities are created to provide exposure to, and enhancement of, other abilities and skills. Children will be given the opportunity to express themselves through music, painting, drama, song, movement and play.
The JSL program draws from several models of child development including the Reggio-Emilia and Forest School models. Our focus is to create an inclusive, child-led, emergent program steeped in the belief that children are strong, capable, creative thinkers who can explore their ideas in a myriad of ways. Components which are incorporated into our program include:

• Classrooms that are creative and inspirational spaces;
• Children, family, teachers, parents and community that are interactive and collaborative;
• An awareness and appreciation of the natural world in which the environment is viewed as a secondary classroom;
• Opportunities for artistic expression in a variety of media; and
• Documentation of children’s activities and exploration through a portfolio system.

Duties
Journey School Lynnwood (JSL) is looking for passionate and dedicated Lead Teacher to add to our team:

• Do you love working with kids? JSL a Reggio-inspired, Partial Outdoor Preschool that uses child-lead, project-based, emergent curriculum.
• Do you like to create projects, activities and learning opportunities for kids? Teachers create and implement programming that is developmentally appropriate and integrates hands-on activities and learning.
• Do you enjoy the outdoors, investigating and exploring the environment around you? Candidates must love being outdoors with kids, getting down on their level in all sorts of weather.
• Can you keep your composure when multitasking and prioritizing multiple needs at the same time? Candidates must be able to model positive behavior management and engagement.
• Do you find joy in everyday silliness and work toward being part of a team? Having a sense of humor, being a team player and calm under pressure is critical.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Must have a high school diploma/GED
• Knowledge / Experience in planning and implementing classroom lead curriculum
• Team player, a self-starter and one who demonstrates good judgment and communication skills, is kind and easy going
• Patient and flexible in working with kids, have a sense of humor
• The ability to create community by engaging with parents and their children
• Willing and prepared to work outdoors in all types of weather, year round
• Flexible work hours. Shifts will include occasional evenings and weekends. Hours are full-time
• Detail-oriented and organized: Excellent oral/written communication skills are needed. Complete student feedback sheets for each shift, for each child
• An AA in ECE or related field is preferred AND two years of experience leading projects, activities and outdoor education for diverse audiences
• Adhere to all JSL policies and procedures
• Must be able to pass and maintain clear DEL criminal background check
• 1-2 years child-related experience (toddler/preschool/Pre-K teaching experience).
• Current certification in CPR/First Aid, Blood Borne Pathogens and a negative TB test or willing to obtain upon employment.
• Equivalent education/experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration
• Valid Driver's License | ability to occasionally operate a 15 passenger van
• Knowledge/Experience with: Potty training ; diaper changing ; standing diaper changing
• Excellent Work Ethic and commitment to job requirements and time and attendance policies
• Certified Teacher, Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development Associate (CDA), Early Child Development Coursework

Nice To Haves

• We ask all our teachers to give a commitment through July to provide the most stability and consistency for our students and school;
• You must love being with kids, getting down on their level in all sorts of weather
• Must be enthusiastic about helping students connect to the natural environment and their surroundings through outdoor education;
• Be able to engage with students to develop and deliver programming that is developmentally appropriate and integrates hands-on activities and learning, following the interest of the students;
• Encourage active exploration and investigation; promote curiosity; guide and facilitate growth and development
• Prioritize and support students' social emotional growth, which takes many forms, but most importantly, require someone who can model positive conflict resolution, behavior management, effective coping skills, calmness and problem solving abilities
• Keep the safety of children at the forefront of each decision, action and interaction
• Attend to basic needs including feeding, dressing and diapering as applicable

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Accrued Paid Time Off / Sick Time / as well as 4+ weeks of scheduled paid time off (after 90 day probationary period).
• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance benefits offered with company contribution (eligible first of the month following your 60 days)
• 401K Match
• FSA - Flexible Spending Account
• Engaged and supportive leadership and management.
• Open communication encouraged.
• Opportunity for internal growth and development
• Free parking
• Convenient location accessible by public transportation

This program participates in Early Achiever
Local Candidates only. Equal opportunity employer.