Job Opportunities

Parent-Child Group Leader
(posted 3/4/24)

Westbrook Nature School, a non-profit nature-based preschool in Redding, CT, now in it's tenth year, is seeking a part-time Group Leader for our Parent-Child Program. This part-time position would train with the current Group Leader this spring and officially serve as the new Group Leader beginning in September. Hours will be from 8:45-11:30am five days per week for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. (Please note: Westbrook is closed during the summer months and school breaks.) Compensation is on an hourly basis.

Our Parent-Child Classes are for parents and caregivers with children from birth to three years of age. We offer weekly two-hour classes, Monday through Friday, during the fall, winter, and spring. This group time provides important socialization for the young child and acclimates them to the school in preparation for the preschool-kindergarten experience. It also gives parents an opportunity to meet other parents in the area and discuss parenting issues.

Ideal candidates enjoy gentle interaction with young children and their caregivers, singing, nature-inspired crafts, and walking in nature. They exhibit a nurturing spirit, warmth, creativity, enthusiasm, respect, reliability, organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and efficiency while being adaptable. Optimal candidates possess a natural curiosity about nature as well as a love of the outdoors, in all kinds of weather including rain and snow.

Duties include:

  • Offer gentle interaction with caregivers and children.
  • Plan and design weekly seasonal crafts.
  • Lead and transition group to different activities keeping to the rhythm of the morning.
  • Manage craft activity with caregivers and children.
  • Lead group circle time including songs, movement, and finger plays.
  • Accompany families on trail walks.
  • Engage with families during communal snack.
  • Help maintain fires during winter season.
  • Set up and clean up craft table (yurt or indoor classroom).
  • Clean up play yard (cover sand pit and dismantle handwashing station during winter).
  • Organize craft materials and maintain inventory.
  • Assist with three seasonal festivals (note: two are on Saturdays - October & May).
  • Support school-wide fundraising efforts throughout the year.

The Parent-Child Group Leader works to fulfill the mission of our school by helping children develop an authentic relationship with the natural world. She also works to fulfill our commitment to sustain, heal, and become stewards of the earth.

Previous participation in our programs is preferred but not required.

To Apply:
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to Danielle Caldwell, Director, at info@westbrooknatureschool.org.

Westbrook Nature School
7 Long Ridge Road
West Redding, CT 06896
westbrooknatureschool.org

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Parent-Child Assistant

(posted 3/26/24)

Westbrook Nature School, a non-profit nature-based preschool in Redding, CT, now in it's tenth year, is seeking a part-time Assistant for our Parent-Child Program. Hours will be from 8:15-11:30am five days per week for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. (Westbrook is closed during the summer months and school breaks.) Compensation is offered on an hourly basis.</

Our Parent-Child Classes are for parents and caregivers with children from birth to three years of age. We meet once a week for two hours during the fall, winter, and spring. This group time provides important socialization for the young child and acclimates them to the school in preparation for the preschool-kindergarten experience. It also gives parents an opportunity to meet other parents in the area and discuss parenting issues.

Ideal candidates must love children and nature and be happy to work outdoors in all kinds of weather including rain and snow. The Assistant will support the Group Leader to provide a nurturing and respectful environment.

Duties include:

  • Offer gentle interaction with caregivers and children.
  • Prepare snack (bread, cheese, fruit, tea, etc.).
  • Set up and clean up snack table.
  • Start/maintain fire during winter season.
  • Assist families with daily craft/activity.
  • Accompany families on trail walks.
  • Engage with families during communal snack.
  • Clean up tableware/kitchen after class.
  • Assist with seasonal craft planning.
  • Organize materials and supplies; Keep track of inventory.
  • Launder napkins and towels at school. Sweep front porch.
  • Assist with three seasonal festivals (note: two are on Saturdays - October & May).
  • Support school-wide fundraising efforts throughout the year.

Optimal candidates would love all seasons, enjoy engaging with families and young children and learning about nature. Being fit, proactive, and enthusiastic with the ability to adapt and change is key. Reliability and being highly organized and efficient are essential.

No previous teaching experience required. Previous participation in our programs is preferred but not required.

To Apply:

Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to Danielle Caldwell, Director, at info@westbrooknatureschool.org.

Westbrook Nature School
7 Long Ridge Road
West Redding, CT 06896
203-664-1554
www.westbrooknatureschool.org