Req #: 188438
Department: SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND FOREST SCIENCES
Job Location: Other Location
Posting Date: 03/17/2021
Closing Info: Open Until Filled
Salary: Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
Shift: First Shift
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The UW Botanic Gardens within the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences has an outstanding opportunity for a Head of Fiddleheads Forest School. As part of the UW Botanic Gardens (UWBG) public education programs, this position will serve as the Head of the Fiddleheads Forest School (FFS), a nature-based preschool program in the Washington Park Arboretum, serving 60-80 students and families. This position will report directly to the Youth and Family Programs Supervisor and be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the preschool program, including both administrative and operational/programmatic operations such as following state childcare licensing standards, enrollment, supervising teachers and support staff, teacher training, internal and external communication, classroom support, intern recruitment and mentorship, coordinating and hosting school events, coordinating the parent group, and implementation of program policies and procedures. In addition, this position will occasionally assist as needed with the creation and implementation of educational opportunities based out of the UWBG and geared for 3-6 year olds.
Administratively, this position is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of: program policies and procedures; fund-raising for the school, age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans for 3-6 year olds; internal and external communication strategies designed to keep both staff and families well-informed; and mentorship of university interns.
Operationally/Programmatically, this position is responsible for: ensuring the health and safety of students; overseeing the development of appropriate lessons and activities that support students’ social, emotional and physical growth; assisting teachers with monitoring and assessment of students’ development; staying abreast of licensing standards and communication with licensory/Washington State DCYF; and maintaining teaching supplies and supporting materials in an organized and efficient manner.
This position serves as an important bridge between the UW FFS program and the general public, whose support is crucial to the University’s relations within the greater Seattle community. This position works specifically with the youngest members of our community to encourage and develop life-long relationships with both the University and the natural world. The nature-based preschool program for which this position will be overseeing will be promoted to families with UW affiliation and seek to engage University students with internship opportunities thereby enhancing the work/life experience for UW employees and students.
Responsibilities:
Teacher Support and Supervision: Supervising the work of six permanent staff, one to three hourly staff who work as substitute teachers, and up to 25 volunteers and interns, who assist in the classroom, over the course of the year, including recruiting, hiring, evaluating and implementing corrective action when needed. Supporting Lead and Assistant Teachers in identification and/or development of place-based and age-appropriate curriculum, lesson plans and activities for 3-6 year olds enrolled in the preschool. Acting in a professional and compassionate manner at all times as a representative of the University of Washington and a role model for the teachers, interns and volunteers. Modeling a healthy relationship with and curiosity for the natural world, while delivering place-based and age-appropriate curriculum designed to support social, emotional and physical development. Maintain current working knowledge of latest research and best practices on early childhood development and teaching strategies. Leading teacher training, weekly team meetings and individual class meetings. Meeting with teachers and/or families about individual students and any needed support. Assisting Teachers in developing and monitoring growth plans for individual students based on on-going evaluations performed on a regular and frequent basis. Observing in classrooms, providing feedback and support, and coordinating yearly professional development for each teacher. Maintaining clear communications with fellow staff, interns, students, and their families to achieve common goals and avoid potential conflicts.
• Parent Communication: Conducting parent meetings, producing weekly school-wide newsletter emails “dispatches,” communicating daily by email and phone with parents, assisting teachers with parent meetings around individual growth, development and behavior, including participating in home visits and parent/teacher conferences as needed. Organize and develop school events (monthly story time, alumni picnic, winter solstice, classroom work parties, twice yearly class potlucks, spring fundraiser, graduation). Communicate with the general public, including social media, newsletters, and media pieces as appropriate.
• Student Recruitment & Registration: Leading prospective student/family tours and open houses, annual enrollment and selection of returning and new families (both school year and summer), registration and on-boarding, on-going enrollment for any new openings, maintenance and updating of enrollment paperwork, management of student files and required documentation, ensuring student files are up to date.
• Classroom Support: Greeting parents (mornings and afternoons, 2 days/week), assisting in classrooms during low volunteer or intern support, serving as a substitute or additional teacher to provide necessary classroom ratios, classroom/student/teacher observation and evaluation.
• Development and implementation of policies and procedures: Conducting internal and external communications, risk management, and university intern program aimed at sustaining and growing a successful nature-based preschool at UWBG. Ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of students through site surveys and monthly classroom risk assessments. Ensure the school and staff are adhering to UW policies and state requirements for a licensed preschool program. Scheduling and oversight of monthly risk management drills (whistle drills, site evaluations, etc).
• Intern Support: Recruiting, providing orientation, training, evaluating and mentoring to university interns participating in the program. Approximately 25+ interns and volunteers annually.
• Budget and Financial: Working with the Youth and Family Education Programs Supervisor in establishing and monitoring program budget and expenses and developing new sources of funding for the school from grants and donors
• Purchasing of Supplies: Procuring, organizing and maintaining teaching supplies and support materials in a well-organized and efficient manner.
• Other related duties as assigned:
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, environmental education or related field. At least three years of experience as a teacher of preschool-age children and at least six months of experience in administration or management, including supervision. ECE State Certificate or a minimum of 45 college quarter credits in early childhood education core competencies (as approved and verified in the workforce registry by the Department of Youth, Children and Families).
Environmental education training or equivalent. Demonstrated understanding of principles and techniques of early childhood education and the ability to implement that knowledge. Formal training in early childhood education or related areas. Experience in education program development; recruiting, training, and supervising teachers, volunteers, and interns; and working within partnerships. Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world and experience sharing that knowledge with children in the field. Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and sit, for 15-20 minutes at a time. Ability to communicate effectively with children at an age-appropriate level. Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Ability to work as part of a team and make contributions through collaboration. Ability to problem solve and maintain a sense of calm as unforeseen situations arise. Outstanding planning, organizing, and time-management skills.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except where there are legal requirements such as license/certification/registration.
Desired:
Computer proficiency with variety of software programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel, social media and email and producing web content and promotional materials. Master’s degree in related field preferred.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Workforce Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by 4/1/2021.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.