Are you an enthusiastic and responsible collaborator who loves working with preschool learners (ages 3-5)? Do you find passion in guiding learners to be their best selves socially, emotionally, and academically?  The Nature School of Central Indiana is excited to announce an opening for a Preschool Assistant for the 2026-2027 academic year. Our school community values the rich cultures, traditions, and ethnicities our families come from, and we are looking for diverse applicants who represent these backgrounds. This position is for 3 days/week for 4 hours in the afternoon totalling 12 hours/week at $15/hour. 

Application Deadline: 

Immediate

About us:

The Nature School of Central Indiana learners follow their natural interests as they explore their world, discovering the interconnectedness of personal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Students learn how to work interdependently and collaboratively, experiencing a transformative education as they grow into the next generation of engaged, global thinkers who compassionately challenge the status quo. We strive to be a nurturing, diverse, and inclusive community.

Mission

The Nature School of Central Indiana: Changing the world for the better, one learner at a time.

Vision

The Nature School of Central Indiana approaches education with time-tested philosophies of Montessori and Waldorf education with a focus on nature-based learning, honoring the child as a whole, fostering a local community and global mindset, with a commitment to educational leadership and institutional longevity.

This job is for you if you:

• Are inspired by our mission and vision
• Love children and supporting their development
• Have a commitment to high quality care and learning
• Are a skilled classroom manager, inspiring children to be their best selves and coaching them through solution-finding processes
• Delight in the details of maintaining a classroom space for children to thrive
• Are a highly relational and effective communicator
• Are able to multitask and manage a variety of supportive responsibilities
• Have a positive attitude and are able to roll with a dynamic and creative organization
• Care about equity, diversity, and social and environmental justice
• Enjoy working in a progressive, relational, collaborative, and nature-loving team of dedicated and talented individuals

Job Responsibilities

• Support Learning Environment: Assist in planning and implementing daily activities that align with the school’s nature-based philosophy and Montessori or Waldorf-inspired principles.
• Outdoor Exploration: Actively participate in outdoor activities, guiding children in nature exploration, sensory experiences, and environmental stewardship.
• Child Development Support: Provide individualized attention to children to support their developmental milestones, including emotional, social, physical, and intellectual growth.
• Supervision & Safety: Ensure the safety and well-being of all children in the classroom and outdoor environments, following school supervision policies.
• Collaborative Classroom Management: Work closely with the lead teacher to maintain a positive and organized learning environment. Assist in setting up activities, cleaning up, and preparing materials.
• Documentation: Assist in observing and documenting each child’s progress to share with the lead teacher and families, contributing to progress reports.
• Parent Communication: Build positive relationships with families by sharing updates on daily activities and helping with family-teacher communications.
• Behavior Guidance: Utilize positive discipline strategies aligned with the school’s philosophy to help children develop self-regulation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development, including training in nature-based education, child development, and classroom management.

Education/Experience:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Experience working with preschool-aged children and families in a group setting
• CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens certified or be willing to obtain
• Positive Discipline training, or willing to take
• Anti-biased/Anti-racist training, or willing to take

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills with children and colleagues
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management, emergencies, or difficult situations
• Ability and desire to support the classroom teacher and Learners
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally

Desired Behavioral Traits and Attitudes:

Team player, fun, outgoing, passionate, nurturing, organized, flexible, creative, resourceful, critical thinker, results-oriented, and self-motivated.  Passionate about TNS’s mission and environmentally concerned and aware.