Northern Lights School in Saranac Lake, NY nurtures young children and their families through its play and nature-based childcare and educational programming. In our new home, a beautifully refreshed school building, Northern Lights School offers a vibrant, diverse and forward-thinking community in the gorgeous Adirondacks. 

 

We are currently looking for some passionate educators to be Teaching Assistants! We welcome warm, joyful, calm, and reliable individuals who are eager to grow their skills and knowledge of play and nature-based early childhood education. 

 

Northern Lights School offers a beautiful and supportive workplace with deep roots in the community and opportunities for rewarding growth both professionally and personally. 

 

About:

Northern Lights School derives inspiration from the Waldorf philosophy to develop our curriculum.  We offer various school year and extracurricular programs for children, ages birth to five years, including enrollment-based morning and full day programs, summer session, and enrichment programs. We also provide educational opportunities and support for families with young children, which strengthen our whole community.

 

Role:

• Teacher Assistant to support NLS Continuity of Care Morning Garden  (6 months - 3 years) program or a Teacher Assistant to support the Mixed Age Preschool.  This teacher may also have the opportunity as a substitute teacher in the mornings

• Full Time Continuity of Care: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, approximately

• Part Time Mixed Age Preschool: Monday to Friday 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM, approximately

• Start date for Continuity of Care Program : August 27, 2024 

• Start date for the Preschool Program:  available now

• Take 15 hours of continuing education training each year as prescribed by our licensor

 

Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Preparing daily snack 

• Providing nurturing care that includes lunch, rest, bodily care, supervision of outdoor play, etc. for the children as indicated by the Lead Teacher

• Assisting the Lead Teacher in maintaining an orderly and healthy classroom environment: Set-up and clean-up with other early childhood teachers to keep common areas clean and tidy (closets, bathrooms, vacuum hallways, outdoors and outbuildings); and upkeep of plants

• Assisting with handwork/artistic projects 

• Assisting children while using the bathroom and diapering

• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information 

• Contributing to faculty meetings and festivals

 

The Requirements:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• 1 year of experience working with young children

• Patient, kind, curious, and flexible

• Desire to expand knowledge of nature-based learning and child development

• Ability to pass a background check

• Be able to lift up to 30 lbs 

• Work intermittently in outside weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain and snow

 

The Benefits:

• $16.22/hour - $18.04/hour base, based on experience and education

• Support in applying for course credit towards any degrees

• Mentorship and coaching from experienced nature-based early educators 

• Fantastic community of fellow teachers, administrators, parents and alumni

• Discounted tuition for children that currently attend Northern Lights School

 

The Process:

We intend to make the interview process as swift and transparent as possible - NO RESUME IS REQUIRED. For the ideal candidate, the overall process is intended to take less than 1 month from application through to start date. Ready to get started?

1. Submit a short application that includes the following questions:

• Last three employers, title and dates employed.

• What is your highest level of education?

• How many years of experience do you have working with young children?

• Why do you want to work at Northern Lights School (1-2 sentences)?

2. 30 minute screening interview.

3. 60 minute in person observation of classrooms.  Interview with a Lead Teacher and the Director.

4. Offer pending successful background check.

5. Begin work!

 

Northern Lights School is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or any protected class. We recognize that the range of ethnicities, nationalities, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientation, learning differences, and life experiences within our community enhance the school’s learning environment, and we are committed to fostering equity and inclusion.