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 Assistant Teachers for our summer programs! 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. 

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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.

 

The Role:

• Assistant Teacher for one of the summer programs: Nestling Nursery (ages 3 months to 3 years) or PreSchool (3 - 5 years)

• Full Time: Monday to Friday, 8:45AM - 4:45PM

• Start date: July 5 - August 24

 

Responsibilities:

• Assist the teacher in planning a nature-based curriculum for children

• Use effective teaching techniques, materials, and activities to promote physical, mental, and social development, and supporting a healthy and harmonious dynamic within the group

• Communicate objectives to students in a calm manner, using clear and precise language

• Provide responsive care

• Monito and assess student progress, personal and social behavior, and provide regular feedback to parents

 

The Preferred Requirements:

• Associates degree in Early Child Development; or a Child Development Associate Credential; or 9 college credits in Early Childhood Development or a related field

• 1-2 years of experience working with young children

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Patient and kind disposition

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

• Ability to pass a complete background check

• Be able to lift up to 30 lbs on occasion.

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

 

The Benefits:

• $15.20/hour base, increased based on education and experience

• NYS early childhood educator training program

• Support in applying for course credit

• Hours count towards NYS teaching certification

• Mentorship and coaching from experienced nature-based early educators

 

The Process:

We intend to make the interview process as swift and transparent as possible. We will get back to every applicant within 3 days of submitting an application. 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:

• Upload your CV

• Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

• 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 min screening interview over video conference.

3. 60 min interview with the Faculty Chair and Administrators.

4. Offer pending successful background check.

5. Begin work on July 5 to prepare for the first day of summer program on July 6!

 

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.