School-Year Assistant Teacher

The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. The ODC Preschools are nature-based preschools operated by the ODC Network in Allegan and Ottawa County. ODC Preschools provide early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 3-5, building social emotional and academic skills within a unique natural environment with an emphasis on nature based inquiry and outdoor exploration.

The School-Year Assistant Teacher will work with the School-Year Lead Teacher to provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool experience for children ages 3-5 and work actively with ODC Network staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature.

This position will begin on Monday, August 24, 2026 and will work 40 hours per week during the school-year only.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement: The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work with a teaching team for assigned classes.
• Participate in and help lead activities including but not limited to: interacting with students in nature and in the classroom setting, engaging students in learning activities, preparing snacks (and meals for full-day classes), supervising nap time, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
• Change the diapers/pull ups of children and manage potty training needs.
• Partner with Lead Teacher and other Assistant Teacher(s) in development and planning of age-appropriate learning activities, such as small groups/enrichment activities for individual children and outdoor activities, based on nature-based curriculum and philosophy.
• Assist Lead Teacher with organization of outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources.
• Actively participate in large group activities, nature hikes, and explorations.
• Complete daily anecdotal note taking.
• Communicate with parents about their child’s development and daily experiences.
• In absence of Transportation Driver, occasionally transport students to and from school and assist with loading/unloading students and walking them to their classrooms
• Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and other ODC Network events (some of which may be scheduled outside normal work hours).
• Document child’s day using the Procare App.

Professional Responsibilities: Maintain educational and training requirements for child care licensing and quality program assessments. Supervision/Evaluation: Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Site Director. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Maintenance of a healthy, safe, and positive environment for childcare staff and children
• Collaboration with parents, children and colleagues
• Demonstrated interest in helping to teach and develop young children and early childhood education.
• Strong decision making skills to respond to emergencies or difficult situations
• Commitment to learning in nature and being outdoors.
• Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in all types of weather.
• Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team.
• Ability to pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting.
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR, or willingness to receive training if needed.
• Willingness to work in other classrooms with ages ranging from 18 months- 5 years old as needed.

Education/Experience:

• Preferred Education/Credentials: Current Preschool CDA and/or bachelor's degree in Outdoor Education, Biology, Environmental Studies or a related degree with experience teaching young children added. These qualifications are a nice-to-have, not a requirement.
• Candidates without any of the above credentials or education may be asked to pursue a Preschool CDA.
• Experience teaching children and working with children and families

Physical Demands: This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, lifting, bending, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work/teaching is performed indoors and outdoors. Additionally, this position requires occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds and walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time.

Equipment Operated: Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and the operation of general office equipment.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.