Outdoor Preschool Substitute Teacher

OUTDOOR PRESCHOOL SUBSTITUTE TEACHER

2023-2024 School Year

Summary

Fidalgo Nature School is seeking Substitute Teachers for our all-outdoor preschool program for youth ages 3-6 at Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park, Washington State. Candidates need to be available for the whole school year, but not every day of the week. 

August 28, 2023 (staff training begins) through June 26, 2024 
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00am- 2:00pm
Wednesdays from 8:45am until 4:00pm. 

This licensed, nature-based school aims to provide high-quality education, grounded in emergent outdoor play. Research shows that these types of experiences prepare students for success in kindergarten and a life of learning. The outdoor classroom presents an engaging, dynamic environment for this; our teachers are an essential part of helping students develop a sense of connection with nature, explore themes of compassion, respect and stewardship, and learn through exploration and play. We operate on Coast Salish land, and Indigenous life, past and present, is an important part of what students learn about at Fidalgo Nature School. The Since Time Immemorial curriculum is embedded in our program.

We are committed to hiring and retaining staff with a diverse range of experiences and creating an equitable environment and community. Please note: We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, male-identifying educators, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIAA2+ community and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. 

Substitute Teacher Responsibilities: 

Substitute Teachers may take on the role of Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, or Teaching Aide depending on their qualifications and experience. At a minimum, responsibilities include those required for taking on the role of Teaching Aide in our classes:

• Create an inviting and emotionally safe classroom meeting the cultural, behavioral and physical needs of our students.
• Share responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of all children. This includes helping children stay warm and dry in wet weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing student conflict.
• Work cooperatively with Lead and Assistant Teachers to support class in daily activities.
• Help ensure that the classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF).
• Assist students in the restroom and do standing diaper changes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Commitment to learning about integrating early childhood education with outdoor education.
• Interactions expressive of genuine warmth and respect for children’s feelings, abilities, and differences.
• Openness to learn about and support equity in education with an anti-bias approach.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, swim, hike comfortably, as well as twist, bend, and kneel to interact with young children.

Desired Qualifications:

• Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR certified (in-person, hands-on course; reimbursement available if needed)
• Bilingual: Spanish, ASL, or other languages to be used in the classroom.
• Knowledge of natural history/science, plant/animal identification, knowledge of agricultural practices, trail building or land stewardship, 4H experience and other experiences that have allowed you to connect with nature.
• Formal education in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education or related.
• Experience teaching, coaching or leading preschool-aged children in an outdoor environment.
• Emergency preparedness and response training such as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Lifeguard certifications.

Pre Service Requirements:

Portable Background Check through the WA State DCYF MERIT system (reimbursement available)
Record of negative TB test within last 12 months (reimbursement available)
Record or exemption letter for MMR immunization, proof of measles immunity, or medical history of measles

Compensation:

This is a non-exempt, hourly position. Pay ranges from $17- $21 per hour based on the role, experience and education of each staff member. All staff receive paid time off, which accrues at a rate of 1 hour per 40 hours worked. We offer a SIMPLE IRA plan with a non-elective contribution equal to 2% of compensation.Our program is growing and we anticipate opportunities to expand your role in our school! 

How to Apply:

Please complete an application at: https://www.fidalgonatureschool.com/careers 

Send questions to:

molly@fidalgonatureschool.com or call #360-375-3809

 

About Fidalgo Nature School 

Fidalgo Nature School’s mission is to provide quality, accessible, nature-based education for children in the local community, fostering their sense of belonging in the natural world and a lifelong connection with the outdoors.

Play is central to high-quality early childhood education programs. The kind of play that leads to learning is characteristically self-chosen and directed by the child, which allows children to explore their own theories about how the world works. The curriculum is lively and always developing rather than pre-planned. The learning process is documented in various ways to make what children are wondering about visible.

Fidalgo Nature School is committed to a curriculum that reflects the identities of the children, families, and staff that make up our Skagit county communities with a focus on the children’s interactions with each other, the community and the natural world. 

Discrimination Policy

Fidalgo Nature School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

This program participates in Early Achievers.