Preschool Teacher Assistant (Part-Time, Non-Merit)

Job Announcement Join the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and our nationally recognized team of professionals FCPA is seeking a part-time Preschool Teacher Assistant at Riverbend Park in Great Falls, Va. to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. With more than 25,000 acres of parkland, nine Rec Centers, eight golf courses, three lakefront parks, and more, FCPA is an exciting organization to be a part of and there are many opportunities for staff to make a difference at every level. Overview of Riverbend Park Forest Preschool: Riverbend Park Forest Preschool is a unique primarily outdoor preschool setting operating in a 400 acres of protected park land. Several different teaching approaches are used to provide children with a fully emergent and immersive nature-based learning experience. Teaching approaches are influenced by Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Waldorf. Teachers and students spend 80%- 100% of each day outdoors in all-weather exploring and learning about nature in a park with forest, meadow and ponds along the Potomac River. Play your part by assisting our Pre School-Teachers in educating preschoolers to appreciate nature and learn valuable social emotional development skills. Responsibilities of the Teacher Assistant Include: Teacher assistants will assist the teachers throughout the day with activities to include small group work, art projects, assisting children with individual needs, and promoting good character education. Plan, design, and implement nature-based curriculum for preschool aged children 2 – 5 years in a nature-based setting. Ensure the safety of children through implementing risk assessment and risk management procedures in a nature-based setting. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and questions. Lead circle time and other group learning activities. Engage students in safe and appropriate activities during hikes while maintaining appropriate space. Through plans, calendars and phone calls, staff are responsible for communicating with parents, keeping them informed, and responding to their requests Teacher assistants will provide toileting assistance and meeting other needs such as nose wiping. Obtain state mandated training hours (yearly) as outline in the Virginia Department of Licensing Handbook. Responsible for keeping the classroom neat and organized. Teacher assistants are also responsible for complying with and adhering to licensing standards and regulations as outlined by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Hours: August to May: Monday-Fridays 8:30 am – 2:00 pm June to August: 20-40 hours per week, some weekend work and camps assistance required. Note: This position cannot exceed 900 hours per calendar year and is not eligible for benefits or holiday leave. Location: Riverbend Park in Great Falls, Va. Located on the Potomac River with over 400 acres of forest, meadow and ponds. 8814 Jeffrey Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 Certificates and Licenses Required CPR/First Aide certified Obtain state mandated training hours (yearly) as outline in the Virginia Department of Licensing Handbook. Complete Virginia Preservice Training for Child Care Staff within first 30 Days. Necessary Special Requirements Complete negative TB test The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a Child Protective Services Registry check to the satisfaction of the employer. Adhere to all FCPA policies and procedures as well as the policies established by the Virginia Department of Social Services for childcare staff. Preferred Qualifications Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural, life, or physical sciences, natural history, education or a closely related field. Six months experience creating and presenting interpretive programs for children and/or toddlers. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Experience teaching nature-based lessons in an outdoor setting. An understanding of childhood development, including stages of growth, and how social, emotional, physical, and cognitive needs intersect with learning. Demonstrated ability in leading groups of preschool aged children. Strong knowledge of supporting risk assessment and implementing risk management Procedures in a nature-based setting. Strong written and verbal communications skills. Mastery of the full suite of computer programs, including email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google, etc. Recent experience working with school-age children in a childcare program, camp, recreation or similar setting. Experience working with children in an outdoor classroom setting. Child Development Credential or one-year early childhood certificate from a college or university. Physical requirements The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. An effective employee must be able to: Spend multiple hours outdoors in all weather (heat, cold, rain, snow) Hike 2-5 miles on rough terrain, keeping pace with children and teachers being observed and evaluated Engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day Lift up to 50 pounds (size of a small child) The employee is also regularly required to stand, walk and use hands and arms to operate general office equipment (PC, telephone, file cabinets, copier, fax machine and printer). Selection procedure Panel Interview, may include exercise The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity. Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. DHREmploymentfairfaxcounty.gov EEO/AA/TTY.