Teacher Aide

Where

Tender Leaves Outdoor Preschool operates in partnership with Kitsap County Parks at Salsbury Point Park in Poulsbo, Washington. We are proud to be the only fully licensed outdoor nature-based preschool in Kitsap County.

When

This position is for the 2026–2027 school year, running Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (35 hours per week). The schedule closely aligns with the North Kitsap School District academic calendar from late August 2026 through mid-June 2027.

Pay & Benefits

  • Hourly Wage: $19.00 per hour.

  • Intimate Class Sizes: Work within an amazing 1:4 teacher-to-student ratio to ensure top-tier child safety and high-quality supervision in our outdoor setting.

  • Paid Time Off: 6 paid sick days per school year. To reward dependability, any unused sick days at the end of the school year can be cashed out!

  • 100% Paid College Tuition: Because we are a licensed program participating in Early Achievers, you qualify for state-funded grants that fully cover college tuition and fees, plus up to $1,000 per year for textbooks. This allows you to earn your Associate of Arts (AA) degree or stackable certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE) completely debt-free while you work.

Description

The Teacher Aide plays a vital, supportive role in our outdoor classroom, serving as an extra pair of hands to keep our program safe, clean, and running smoothly. While our Assistant Teachers focus on direct instruction and lead-teaching, our Aides focus on general program logistics, gear management, and active safety supervision.

In this role, you will work under the continuous supervision of our Lead Teachers and Director to support children ages 2.5 to 7 years old.

Daily responsibilities include:

  • Assisting teachers with the setup and cleanup of daily outdoor activities, emergent curriculum materials, and seasonal "sparks."

  • Assisting children with basic personal needs, including managing their outdoor weather gear (putting on rain suits, boots, and zippers), supervising snack/lunchtimes, and guiding them through routine outdoor hygiene.

  • Maintaining a safe environment by actively supervising children during play and hikes, helping to spot natural hazards, and keeping a close line of sight on the trail and beach.

  • Documenting daily activities and uploading high-quality learning photos to the Brightwheel app to share each child's day with their families.

Requirements

To comply with Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) licensing guidelines (WAC 110-302) for licensed Outdoor Nature-Based child care, all applicants must meet the following criteria before their start date:

  • Be at least 14 years of age (applicants under 18 must have written parental permission) and currently enrolled in school, OR hold a high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Have a cleared WA State portable background check with fingerprinting (for applicants age 18+).

  • Have a negative Tuberculosis (TB) test.

  • Hold valid Pediatric CPR/First Aid certifications and a WA State Food Handler's permit (can be completed upon hire).

  • Be registered in the DCYF MERIT professional database.

  • Complete the free "Outdoor Nature-Based Child Care Basics" online training course via dcyftraining.com and Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) training upon hire.

  • Be comfortable working outdoors in all Pacific Northwest weather conditions (rain, wind, snow, and sun) while carrying a safety backpack.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Nondiscrimination Statement

Tender Leaves Outdoor Preschool is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are deeply committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for all employees, families, and children.

In accordance with federal civil rights guidelines and Washington State Law (RCW 49.60), Tender Leaves Outdoor Preschool does not unlawfully discriminate in recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, military or veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability. All employment decisions are made fairly on the basis of qualifications, merit, and the operational needs of our outdoor preschool program.

Two children playing on a beach with a clear blue sky and some bushes and logs in the background.