Nature Preschool Assistant

~ Chippewa Nature Center is a nonprofit, environmental education organization. Its mission is to connect all people to nature through educational, recreational and cultural experiences. ~

The 1,500-acre property includes woodlands, fields, ponds and rivers. CNC’s facilities consist of a Visitor Center with Ecosystem Gallery, classrooms and Nature Center store; an 1870s Homestead Farm complex; Nature Preschool; an arboretum and over 19 miles of nature trails. See www.chippewanaturecenter.org for more information.

Come awaken your natural sense of wonder at Nature Preschool! Join us as we jump in puddles, make mud pies and study every part of a frog’s life cycle through real-life hands-on experiences.

Job Summary 

CNC is in search of a Nature Preschool Assistant with a passion for supporting 4-year old children and their teaching team as they explore the natural world. Nature Preschool is a five star, play-based program which uses research-based curriculum practices to implement developmentally appropriate early childhood education with nature at its core. Nature Preschoolers and staff experience the ecosystems at Chippewa Nature Center through engaging lessons and enriching exploration.

Objective: To work alongside a teaching team to provide a premier early childhood environment which meets the developmental needs of the whole child, while initiating them into a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

• Status: Part-time, temporary
• Reports to: Nature Preschool Director; Preschool Teachers
• Schedule: Monday-Thursday; 8:45 am-4:15 pm
• Start date: September 10, 2020
• End date: May 13, 2021

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with the health, safety, and welfare of all children in the group
• Accompany classes during indoor and outdoor exploration experiences
• Prepare snacks, activities, and materials with the support of the teaching team
• Help with overall sanitation and tidiness of classroom and supplies
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Interest or experience in early childhood education
• Interest or experience in nature-based/outdoor education
• Strong communication skills
• Reliable transportation
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs
• Able to hike over rugged terrain

Compensation and Benefits

• $10/hour, 20% discount on registered programs and in Nature Center Store.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a resume and cover letter to Jenn Kirts, Director of Programs.
• Or, mail to Jenn at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640. For additional information, please contact Madison Powell at 989-631-0830.
• Application Deadline: Open until filled.

CNC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.