Parent-Child Group Leader

Westbrook Nature School, a non-profit nature-based preschool in Redding, CT, is seeking a part-time Group Leader for our Parent-Child Program. This part-time position would train with the current Group Leader from March through June 2024 and officially serve as the new Group Leader beginning in September. Hours will be from 8:30-11:30am five days per week for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. (Please note: Westbrook is closed during the summer months and school breaks.)

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:

• Plan and design weekly seasonal crafts.
• Lead and transition group to different activities keeping to 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.
• Start and maintain fires during winter season.
• Prepare food and drink for snack (tea, cheese, apples, homemade bread).
• Set up and clean up snack table and craft table (yurt or indoor classroom).
• Clean up play yard (cover sand pit and dismantle handwashing station) and dishes in kitchen at end of class. Sweep porch and put in laundry.
• Set up for next day’s snack and craft.
• Organize craft materials and maintain inventory of food/supplies.
• 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.

This exciting role engages you with the Westbrook community, assisting with our seasonal festivals and fundraisers. Previous participation in our programs is preferred but not required.