Do you have experience working with kids? Does being in nature rejuvenate your spirit? Then this is your dream job!
We're looking for a lead teacher M-Fri 8:45am-3:15pm and assistants M-Fri 9-1 for the 2024/25 school year. Experience with childcare a must for leads. Experience with being outdoors for extended periods year-round in the PNW and interest in environmental science, art, music, yoga and mindfulness a plus.
Beginners welcome for assistant teachers. Must be first aid and CPR certified before the start date.
About us:
We provide holistic outdoor education for preschool children ages 3-7. Nature is our teacher and we learn through imaginative play and exploration, taking care of the small animals on our mini-farm, tending the garden and adventuring in the beloved Fern Gully Forest in East Olympia.
We have small groups (6:1 ratio) in a family friendly environment. We are all outdoors, although we do have a classroom and plenty of other covered spaces for activities, dance parties, music making, circle time, puppet shows, and arts and crafts. We create a nurturing environment where children can develop the resilience, creativity, confidence, social skills and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in school and life.
General Responsibilities Include:
Greeting parents and kiddos at pick-up/drop off. Being friendly, warm and welcoming is a must!
Plan and organize nature-based activities that support children's interests and learning styles.
Maintain daily routines that include time for free play, games, physical activity, rest, and creative expression.
Communicate with parents and other staff members to build relationships and encourage their involvement.
Model appropriate behavior and support children's social and emotional development.
Oversee safety, keep incident reports and communication log.
Physical demands: working in all-weather conditions may include crouching, crawling, reaching, hiking, lifting up to 35 pounds, and having hearing and vision abilities.
Lead teachers also develop and implement a nature-based curriculum that focuses on various areas of child development, such as colors, shapes, numbers, and letters. Create a stimulating, nurturing, and non-competitive learning environment that encourages exploration, curiosity, and problem-solving. Assess each child's learning needs and progress, and document their interests, routines, and aptitudes.
All preschool teachers should be patient, compassionate, energetic, playful and have a passion for nature and inspiring young learners. They should also be able to communicate effectively with young children and be certified in first-aid and child CPR.
Please email your interest and resume to the email listed.