Enter a job title or keyword
NaturePlay School Assistant Instructor (Part-Time)
Job Location:
Job Location:
Downers Grove, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not provided by the employer
Monthly Salary:
Posted:
13 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Posted:
Application Deadline:
10 October 2026
Application Deadline:
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Vacancies:
Job Summary
Downers Grove Park District Job Description
Job Title: NautrePlay School Assistant
Department: Recreation
Reports To: Recreation Supervisor Outdoor Education
Status: Part Time Non-exempt
Revised: 7/10/26
Pay Rate: $17.50
Position Summary:
The NaturePlay School Assistant helps the NaturePlay School Instructor lead nature-orientated preschool programs at the William F. Sherman Jr. Interpretive Center at Lyman Woods.
The NaturePlay School Assistant works with children ages 3 to 5 during NaturePlay School classes and is outside 60-85% of the class period. The NaturePlay School Assistant helps set up and cleanup classroom materials before and after class. The position takes place on day(s) between Monday and Friday with potential hours between 8:30 am- 3:30pm. Instructors may work up to 15 hours a week on average or a total of no more than 1000 hours per year.
Essential Functions
- Engages and interacts with NaturePlay School students.
- Provides support to the NaturePlay school Instructor before during and after class to ensure a smooth transition between activities
- Interprets outlines and communicates in a manner that is appropriate for the program audience.
- Provide a safe and nurturing experience for all students.
- Assist with implementation of daily activities that are age appropriate and designed for student growth.
- Uses a range of teaching approaches and adapts instruction to include all children.
- Assist with preparation of materials for class project and activities.
- Helps NaturePlay School instructor maintain appropriate behavior of students during class.
- Uses center iPads to document class progress and upload photos to class album
- Attends staff meetings trainings and special events as scheduled by the Recreation Supervisor.
- Must have regular consistent and predictable attendance
- Follows and adheres to Park District policy and safety guidelines
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Job may be modified at any time
Requirements
- Interest in working with early childhood audiences
- Must be willing to adhere to the NaturePlay and Forest School philosophies.
- 1 years teaching/education experience in formal or informal education preferred
- Must exhibit: problem-solving abilities adaptability good judgment and safety awareness
- Must possess good communication skills and ability to work cooperatively with co-workers and the general public
- CPR First Aid and AED certification or a willingness to obtain certification within 30 days of employment; the Park District provides training
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements
Work is generally performed in an outdoor setting. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions including precipitation poison ivy and stinging or biting insects. While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand walk use hands to finger handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be frequently required to climb or balance and stoop kneel crouch or crawl. Employee may be required to lift up to 30 pounds.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Downers Grove Park District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Required Experience:
Junior IC
