Current Job Opportunities
Epiphany Preschool: Nature Preschool Seeking 2 Assistant Teachers for the 2024-2025 school year.
We are a play-based nature school, on 4 beautiful acres in Vienna, Virginia. Our days are focused on the natural environment around us, and the relationships between us. We use the changes of the season along with the interests and abilities of the children in our care to guide our explorations and lessons together. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, loved and supported by caring adults, and they are able to experience self-directed, hands-on learning opportunities.
Our team at Epiphany is full of dedicated, talented, caring teachers that make our school a very special place. We are so proud of the growth that our school has seen over the past 4 years, and we are hoping to hire two more Assistant Teachers to help us continue our growth this school year.
General Position Description
In keeping with the philosophy of our program, our teachers spend a great deal of time outdoors, in all seasons and in all kinds of weather conditions. Our teachers develop and implement play and nature-based activities that reflect the needs of the children, and they must be comfortable spending extended time outdoors, engaging with nature (getting messy and dirty indoors and out). We are outside 60%-70% of the day, and teachers are expected to plan their daily lesson plans for the children to interact and explore the natural environment, weather, plants, and animal life. Teachers should plan their days with the understanding that “anything that can be done inside can be done outside.”
The Teacher Assistant supports the Teacher and the Director/Program Administrator by helping to create a caring and safe environment for the children and assisting in activities to improve the overall care and quality of education. The Teacher Assistant must be able to communicate and work well with others in a team environment. This also includes assisting the staff in implementing a quality educational program and in developing positive relationships with the children and their parents. The Teacher Assistant observes and documents children’s interest and progress and relays that information back to the Teacher. Teacher Assistant is responsible for implementing developmentally appropriate activities based on children’s interests and needs under the direction of the Teacher and the Director/Program Administrator. This position reports to the Lead Teacher of the classroom.
Key Responsibilities
● Assist the teacher in developing and implementing play and nature-based activities that reflect the needs of the children which includes the following:
a. Treating each child with dignity and respect.
b. Building a trusting relationship with each child that provides both emotional and physical security.
c. Recognizing and considering the individual needs of each child in relation to cultural and socio-economic background, disabilities, special talents and interests, style and pace of learning.
d. Helping children to learn to think creatively, to solve problems independently, and to respect themselves and others.
e. Using positive discipline to teach children right from wrong, which behaviors are acceptable and which aren't, and which are appropriate to the situation and age of the child.
● Supervising the classroom, according to the plans of the teacher when the teacher is out of the room.
● Assisting the teacher in all aspects of the day.
● Assisting the lead teacher with the observation of children, sharing these observations with the teacher and attending conferences with the parents of the children in the class.
● Actively seeking to continuously update skills by attending outside workshops and conferences whenever possible, by becoming active in professional organizations, and by constantly seeking new ideas and materials for use in the classroom with children or to share with other staff members. By the end of the current school year Assistant Teacher must meet 20 hours of Continuing Education.
● Attending all staff meetings and programs sponsored by Epiphany Preschool.
● Maintaining professional, confidential and respectful relationships with parents and staff.
● Actively engage in activities; manage cleanliness, maintenance, and availability of classroom materials.
● Follow all center policies and state regulations.
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required
● Minimum of 1 year of professional childcare experience.
● Comfortable teaching and exploring outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
● High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children and parents) and to foster a team environment.
● Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
● An understanding of child development.
● Must clear a full background check and must pass health screening.
● An understanding of and interest in nature is preferred
Educational Requirements
● Associate degree in early childhood education or related field of study or previous experience in an early childhood center.
