Nature Preschool Assistant

Company: Dallas Zoo Management
Location: Dallas
Posted on: April 5, 2026

Job Description:

Description JOB SUMMARY This position is an assistant teaching and caregiving position for the Wild Earth Preschool program, a nature preschool at the Dallas Zoo. Classes are mixed-age groups of children ages 3-5 years old who attend full-time daycare. Equipped with growing knowledge in early childhood development or a related field and the ability to inspire children to connect with nature through play and exploration, the assistant fosters positive relationships with children, parents, and staff to benefit whole-child growth. Together with the teaching team, this position assists in planning, implementing, and documenting learning; maintaining safety and regulation standards; and participating in nature-based activities with the children in all safe weather conditions. Assistants are organized, responsible, joyful, energetic, flexible, child-focused, safety-conscious, and enjoy being outdoors year-round for most of the day. Regular working hours, typically 40 per week, are scheduled Monday – Friday, though some weekends and evenings will be required for family events and staff meetings. Hours may vary between 7:30 am and 6:15 pm. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Teaching and Curriculum: • Assist in facilitation of developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool programming. • Incorporate project-based learning in an emergent curriculum that follows National Association for Educators of Young Children (NAEYC) and North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Guidelines. • Assist in planning learning opportunities based on child interests, including outdoor activities, play, art, music, dance and drama, language, math, science, technology, social/emotional, gross motor, and fine motor skills. • Help young children with self-help skills in dressing, grooming, bathroom activities, etc. • Assist in preparing environments and materials to support learning opportunities. • Assist in conducting formative assessments and maintain child portfolios. Relationships: • Sustain a welcoming, peaceful, and joyful classroom family atmosphere. • Assist in developing children’s emotional, social, and behavioral skills through connection with nature, positive guidance, conflict resolution strategies, and mindfulness approaches. • Sustain a culturally responsive inclusive environment for children and their families. Physical Environment: • Assure children’s physical and emotional safety, including following procedures in medication administration, allergy management, and authorized release. • Assist in maintaining a clean, healthy, safe outdoor and indoor environment. Ensure accurate and timely documentation of compliance logs. • Respond to emergencies in a calm and responsible manner. • Communicate concerns about the learning environment or children to the Early Childhood Manager. Families: • Involve families in their children’s educational growth and encourage families to fully participate in the program. • Positively communicate child progress with family members and other teaching staff. Administration and Operations: • Collaborate with parents, guardians, education staff, and other zoo departments. • Maintain compliance with all relevant governmental, company, and departmental rules and regulations. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: • High school diploma or GED required. • Valid CDA or 12 college credits in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD), Elementary Education (ELED), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSPED), or enrolled in a program that will lead to these qualifications or higher preferred. • Experience in nature-based programming and demonstrated interest in conservation and environmental education preferred. Knowledge and Skills • Knowledge of basic biologic, ecologic, geologic, natural historic concepts preferred. • Must demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, including empathy and listening skillset. • Must demonstrate working knowledge of hazards and risk assessment as related to the environments of young children. • Must be flexible and willing to assist with a variety of teaching and administrative duties. • Must be able to create a culturally responsive inclusive environment for children and their families. • Must be able to communicate positively and effectively in English, orally and in writing. Communication in another language a plus. • Must demonstrate computer literacy, including use of Microsoft Office Suite and email. Working Conditions • Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons and all types of weather conditions 60% or more of each day. • Must be able to safely navigate a variety of surfaces, walk long distances, stand for extended periods of time, sit, kneel, stoop, crawl, twist, reach above head, climb stairs or ramps, and carry up to 50 lb. • A typical work week is 40 hours, M-F. Occasional evenings and weekends are scheduled for parent meetings, in service trainings, and/or special events. Other • Pediatric CPR/first aid certification required, or the ability to receive certification within 2 weeks of employment • Complete drug screening, background check, TB test. • Must be able to sign DFPS form 2985 Affidavit for Applicants for Employment with a Licensed Child Care Center. • Must have a valid driver’s license to operate company vehicles and reliable transportation

Keywords: Dallas Zoo Management, Dallas , Nature Preschool Assistant, Education / Teaching , Dallas, Texas