Esalen Institute

Esalen Institute has the following part-time position available:

Gazebo School Park:
Associate Preschool Teacher

Job Summary

Esalen’s Gazebo School Park, founded by Janet Lederman in 1977, is a licensed infant/toddler and preschool program, specializing in the outdoor classroom and nature-based eco-education. Gazebo is currently seeking a dynamic Associate Teacher who enjoys working outdoors with young children (ages 1-6 years). Under the supervision of the Gazebo Program Director, the Associate Teacher is responsible for supporting a sound early childhood educational environment in accordance with the policies of the State of California Education Code, the Esalen Board of Directors, and Gazebo School.

The preschool is year-round and offers an early childhood education program during the summer. This position is a full time (40 hours per week) position with the option of living at Esalen, if housing is available at time of hire, or off property with a provided housing allowance. This position starts with an initial six-month appointment beginning July 1, 2008 and ending December 31, 2008, with the option of renewal pending job performance, outcome of school restructure, and continued funding for the school.

Responsibilities

  1. Work under the direction of the Gazebo Program Director and assume responsibility for the children, the curriculum, and the environment, when the Director is out of the Park.
  2. In collaboration with the Director, participate in the construction of a learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, that promotes the optimal growth of each child’s developmental needs: intellectual and creative, social and emotional, kinesthetic and physical. Provide service in the care, development, and instruction of children.
  3. Develop and implement integrated and nature-based, eco-education curriculum.
  4. Document children’s learning and curricular activities for the school.
  5. Supervise children at all times, ensuring their health and safety.
  6. Model responsibility for all environments, including animal habitats, grounds, and health and safety standards, ensuring compliance with California State Child Care Center Licensing Regulations (Title 22 regulations).
  7. Practice conflict management and problem solving strategies with young children.
  8. Assist in integrating children with special needs and provide experiences that reflect and respect the diverse cultural, racial, and familial structures of the children and families in the program.
  9. Implement program of food service according to school guidelines.
  10. Take care of Gazebo School animals, and assist children in caring for them.
  11. Communicate with parents about child’s learning experiences, and answer any questions or concerns.
  12. Participate in special events that are part of the program, such as family potlucks, fundraisers, or other school-related events.
  13. Attend scheduled staff meetings.
  14. Other duties as assigned.

Experience, Qualifications, Skills

  1. A minimum of 12 college units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD). The 12 units must include the following core courses: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child/Family/Community or Child and Family Relations; Infant Toddler Care; and Programs/Curriculum. Must have a minimum of three semester units or four quarter-units in the areas of Child/Human Growth and Development and Child/Family/Community. Must possess or qualify for a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
  2. Current certification in pediatric CPR and First Aid.
  3. Meets the Associate Teacher Permit experience requirement of 50 days (3+ hours) working with preschool age children and/or infant/toddlers. One year experience in an early childhood education setting within the past three years preferred.
  4. Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  5. Flexible working style. Able to work with different age groups in different physical environments and under a variety of weather conditions.
  6. The Associate Teacher is expected to maintain a professional attitude and to communicate with fellow staff with a positive problem solving approach.
  7. Understanding of or a willingness to learn Gestalt Awareness Practice.
  8. Horticulture, permaculture and/or artistic experience a plus.

Miscellaneous Requirements

  1. Willingness to work mostly outdoors in hot, cold, or wet weather.
  2. Requires the ability to stand for prolonged periods of time and to move quickly and easily from sitting to standing.
  3. Ability to hear and speak to exchange information with children, staff, and parents.
  4. Ability to kneel and/or bend at the waist for lifting/interacting with children and/or equipment up to 50 lbs.
  5. Ability to walk hilly and/or uneven terrain.
  6. Possess the ability to visually scan large spaces to ensure child safety indoors and out.
  7. This position works 5 days a week, Monday-Friday. Must be able to work a flexible 8 hour shift depending upon the needs of the school, with these possible schedules: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., or 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Must be able to work these late afternoon/early evening shifts, as needed by the program.
  8. Must submit to and successfully pass a background check.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes full health benefits and full Esalen property privileges in accordance with current policy. Salary range is $882 to $1,382 per month, including on-property housing if available. If living off property, a housing allowance of $900 per month is provided. All vacation/holiday time off will coincide with school closures. Other community benefits include discounted weekend workshops, $70 in monthly scholarship, daily movement classes, ongoing visiting teacher and other in-house educational programs, discounted bodywork and discounted retail sales.

Application Process

Please email your resume with a cover letter to Human Resources at job212@esalen.org. Alternatively, you can fax your resume to (831) 667-3085.

About Esalen

Established in 1962, Esalen quickly became a recognized leader in the development of human potential. Our mission is to foster personal and social transformation.

Esalen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by law.