Afternoon Assistant Teacher at Nature-Based Children's Center

Overview

At Prairie Flower Children’s Center, we seek to nurture children’s innate senses of wonder, curiosity and gratitude, and to honor their vital need for an unpressured childhood where imagination, creativity and self-discovery can bloom. For more than 25 years, we have provided children in Ames, Iowa, and beyond with a nature-based, play-based and child-led early childhood experience that is unique amongst other centers in Ames.

Our Programs

We offer a range of early childhood programs, including a year-round co-op nature preschool program for children ages 3-6, after-school programs and summer camps for children ages 5-12, and a parent-child playgroup for children 18 months to 3 years old. We also hold occasional community festivals for families to strengthen ties and celebrate our shared connection to seasonal rhythms.

We are located at 1517 Northwestern Ave. in central Ames, which isn’t a far walk from nearby woods. We rent two classrooms from (but are otherwise not affiliated with) Bethesda Lutheran Church.

Job Description

We are seeking an afternoon assistant teacher to help support all facets of our programs in the afternoons. In this role, you’ll help supervise and guide children both in the classroom and during our woodland explorations, and assist with daily setup and cleanup for the program. You may either be with our full-day preschool children, and/or with our school-age after-school program children (while indoors, these programs are in separate classrooms, but we combine while going outside to the woods).

If you enjoy working with children, this position is a unique opportunity to gain experience with nature-based education and forest school philosophy while nurturing young children during a vital phase of their growth.

The hours needed for this position are 2:30-6 pm, Monday-Friday.

As an assistant afternoon teacher, you will:

• Support the center director and lead teacher in carrying out the programming. This will include: Supervising children during indoor activities that include nap time (for preschool), craft projects, music, playing games, and free play; supervising children during outdoor activities that include free play in our nature playscape or hiking and exploration of the nearby woods, in all seasons and weather. For our school-age after-school program, teachers also lead the kids in activities such as knot-tying, foraging, wood-working, whittling, tree and plant identification, and more.
• Help with snack preparation and support children as they learn to make snacks and clean up after themselves
• Help prepare the classroom for programming each day and do dishes and tidy up at the end of a session.
• Staff occasional weekend festivals that take place twice a semester. This could include helping the center director to plan for and set up the event, supporting children and families in activities or games, serving refreshments or other forms of support as needed.
• Assist with administrative tasks as needed

Qualifications and Characteristics

• Diligent, dependable, self-motivated and organized
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – able to communicate courteously and clearly with other teachers, children, parents and other people connected with center affairs
• A positive, playful and patient attitude
• Able to give and take constructive, respectful feedback
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to learn and adapt quickly
• Respect for each child’s unique personality and temperament, and able or willing to learn how to lovingly mediate classroom conflicts between children while setting appropriate boundaries
• A commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming classroom for all children and families
• Able to lift at least 50 pounds and to hike nearby rugged terrain
• Able to be outdoors daily during all seasons (sun, rain, snow, cold down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit)
• First aid and CPR certification, or a willingness to get certified before starting in the job

Bonus Additional Qualifications and Characteristics

• A degree or formal training in early childhood education, or prior experience working with young children
• A love of the outdoors and a positive attitude to weather in all its manifold seasonal expressions
• Knowledge of and belief in the principles of nature-based education, or an interest in learning more about this approach to early childhood education
• Talent or experience in one or more creative arts or artisanal realms, such as art, music, writing, fiber arts, dance, theater, crafting, woodworking, outdoor skills or other area
• Appreciation for and commitment to Prairie Flower’s mission

Benefits and How to Apply

This is a part-time position based in Ames, Iowa, with a pay rate of $14 per hour. Assistant teachers have time off during school-scheduled holiday breaks (same holidays as Ames Community School District).

We offer professional development opportunities, a commitment to work-life balance and small class sizes that allow for strong relationships with children and their families. The position reports to the Prairie Flower Children’s Center director.

Along with your resume, please include a message or cover letter to:

• confirm your availability for Monday-Friday afternoons, detailing the afternoon hours that you are available daily;
• let us know when you are available to start working; and
• share why you are interested in the position and Prairie Flower Children’s Center.

Questions? If you have questions about any aspect of the position or application process, please message us.

For a deeper understanding of our mission, values and what we do at Prairie Flower Children’s Center, please visit our website.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person