Position Overview

The Forest Preschool Teacher is responsible for the implementation of curriculum at Forest Preschool, a nature-based preschool and childcare for children ages 2 – 5 years old in Leakin Park. Implementation includes supervision, curriculum development, communication with families, and maintaining a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environment. Position includes professional development and on-going evaluation. The full-time Forest Preschool Teacher will work 37 hours a week, between the hours of 7:30 am - 5:00 pm. Each workday includes a 40 minute paid break.  

The position includes embodying Forest Preschool’s commitment to nature education and requires thoughtful planning for learning experiences (primarily outdoors) to help children feel more confident engaging in the natural world while preparing them with the skills they need to be successful in their future school experiences. The Forest Preschool Teacher collaborates with the teaching team to deliver intentional and responsive care.

Position reports to Director of Forest Preschool.

Overview of responsibilities:

• Collaborates to implement site-specific nature-based, emergent early childhood curriculum for children ages 2 – 5 years old.
• Implements best practices and policies for young children and families; provides intentional and responsive care to children in program through process of child-caregiver attachment theory
• Responsible for maintaining a safe indoor/outdoor environment that supports child-led, developmentally appropriate play and meets MSDE licensing requirements
• Communicates regularly with current families about the children’s progress and individual needs of children in order to ensure success of program
• Produces documents (written, photo and video) and manages materials (child artifacts and work samples) that document child learning
• Responsible for authentic assessment of children in program, to be shared in biannual conference reports and in parent-teacher conferences
• Responsible for collaboration with Forest Preschool team and Carrie Murray Nature Center naturalists to ensure delegation of tasks as it relates to efficiency of class
• Implements and evaluates extended events for childcare and preschool families

OTHER DUTIES

• Maintains anecdotal evidence and observations to inform individual child’s assessment
• Assists in weekly email to families, updating them on group’s experiences and learning
• Cleans shared spaces including outdoor classroom, bathrooms, diapering areas, kitchen, etc. 
• Writes Daily Notes to be sent home with children, including information about caregiving routines and daily explorations

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION 

• AA degree preferred (or the equivalent of 48 college credits), including at least 15 semester hours of coursework in the field early education or childhood development 
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with young children in a childcare setting
• Possess the following credentials, certifications, or licenses: Current first aid and CPR credentials; 90 hour Child Care Certificate (MUST HAVE)
• Must complete the annual clock hours required by the Office of Child Care to advance or maintain childcare credentials
• Must be 19 years of age

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & TRAINING

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excited to lead outdoor programming in all kinds of weather 
• Flexible mindset and positive attitude
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a team
• Willingness to learn about progressive and alternative philosophies of education
• Naturalist knowledge and any relevant outdoor work is preferred but not required