Imagine a classroom where the woods and prairie are your backdrop. Sounds like a dream job? Prairie Woods Nature Preschool provides children ages 3–5 with meaningful opportunities to learn through nature, outdoor exploration, hands-on experiences, and play. We are currently seeking a: 

Long-Term Substitute Nature Preschool Director 

Location: Prairie Woods Nature Preschool –located at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, 12718 10th St NE Spicer, MN 56288

Hours: 30–35 hours per week

Compensation: $22–$26/hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Position Duration: December 2026–May 2027 with potential for more employment opportunities

Start Date: December 2026

Position Overview:
Prairie Woods Nature Preschool is seeking a qualified, dependable, and collaborative Long-Term Substitute Nature Preschool Director to provide leadership and oversight of our nature-based preschool program during the current Director’s maternity leave from January through May 2027.

The selected candidate will begin in December 2026 to allow for training and transition alongside the current Preschool Director. This time will provide an opportunity to become familiar with the preschool’s children, families, staff, daily routines, enrollment systems, policies, and administrative procedures. The Long-Term Substitute Director will oversee the daily operations of the preschool while also remaining actively involved in the classroom. This position requires someone who is comfortable balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on work with children ages 3–5.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and support to the preschool teaching team.
• Create and manage staff schedules.
• Assist with enrollment and maintain accurate enrollment records.
• Manage tuition-related responsibilities and assist with related family communication (via brightwheel)
• Review and approve staff timesheets. (via quickbooks workforce)
• Communicate professionally and effectively with staff, families, and Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center leadership.
• Help oversee the daily operations of the preschool.
• Remain included in the classroom ratio of up to 15 children.
• Support teachers and provide classroom coverage as needed.
• Assist with opening and closing shifts as needed.
• Help maintain a safe, positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment for children.
• Support the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate, nature based learning experiences.
• Ensure appropriate supervision and adherence to required staff-to-child ratios.
• Assist with maintaining required program records and documentation.
• Carry out applicable Minnesota DCYF licensing requirements and Rule 3 Child Care Center regulations.
• Support health, safety, emergency, and licensing procedures.
• Assist with staff training, professional development, and onboarding as needed.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive working environment among staff.
• Remain actively engaged in the preschool’s outdoor, nature-based approach to learning.
• Perform other administrative and program duties as needed.
• Perform Lead Teacher duties as needed

Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with young children in a childcare or educational setting.
• Experience working in a preschool or early childhood program.
• Experience with staff leadership, supervision, or management.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Physically Active and enjoy being outside in all types of weather outdoors.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing daily needs.
• Ability to work with children ages 3–5 in both classroom and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain.
• Ability to meet applicable Minnesota DCYF qualifications for the director position.
• Have a Develop account or be willing to create one to complete required DCYF training and professional development.
• A genuine interest in nature-based education and outdoor learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Brightwheel or another childcare management platform.
• Previous experience with preschool administration, including enrollment, scheduling, tuition, and timesheets using QuickBooks.
• Experience working in a licensed childcare or preschool program.
• Experience with nature-based or outdoor early childhood education.

Position Expectations:
The ideal candidate will be flexible, dependable, organized, and willing to assist wherever needed. The nature of early childhood education requires the ability to respond to changing circumstances, support staff, communicate effectively with families, and make thoughtful decisions throughout the day. This position requires an individual who can effectively balance administrative and leadership responsibilities with direct involvement in the classroom. The Long-Term Substitute Director should be comfortable stepping in to support teachers, supervise children, assist with daily routines, and participate fully in the outdoor learning environment.

Benefits:
• $22–$26/hour, depending on qualifications and experience
• 30–35 hours per week
• Training and transition period with the current Preschool Director prior to maternity leave
• Opportunities for professional development
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Benefits include Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time and any other benefits for which the employee is eligible under Prairie Woods’ plan and policies.
• Opportunity to work in a unique nature-based preschool setting

Why Prairie Woods Nature Preschool?
Prairie Woods Nature Preschool provides children ages 3–5 with meaningful opportunities to learn through nature, outdoor exploration, hands-on experiences, and play. Our teachers spend much of their day outside, exploring the woods, prairie, playscape, and other natural spaces at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center. We believe children learn best when they have opportunities to be curious, take appropriate risks, build independence, and develop a lasting connection with the natural world. This position is a great fit for someone who wants to be part of a close-knit team and enjoys the unique combination of early childhood education, outdoor learning, staff leadership, and preschool administration.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume along with a brief letter or statement explaining their interest in the position. Please include information about your experience working with young children, leadership or management experience, and interest in nature-based early childhood education. Submit Application to Nature Preschool Director Hannah Senf at hannah.s@prairiewoodselc.org. Applications due by November 1, 2026.
We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and visitors.