Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

Internship in Nature-based Early Education

School Year 2023 - 2024 & Summer 2024

Overview:

We build joyful communities connected to each other and to their outdoor environments through discovery and play. We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them.  This is the right opportunity for an aspiring educator who enjoys teaching young children outdoors snow, rain, or shine.

Locations:

We are currently recruiting for school year and summer interns at our Arboretum, Milton, Malden, and MetroWest locations in Massachusetts.

Position Description:

• School year and summer internships available.
• Our most common internship schedule is Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (15 hours/week)
• The schedule and focus can be individualized to meet each intern’s professional goals and academic requirements, though all internships involve an onsite component at one of our locations in the greater Boston area.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building community.  Learn about our nature-based and child-centered approach.
• Set goals for your internship with your supervisor and check in on a regular basis.
• Assist the Lead Teacher to ensure the health and safety of each child. 
• Assist the Lead Teacher to develop and implement engaging nature-based early childhood curriculum that connects children with one another and to nature.
• Design and lead a project related to early childhood education, environmental education, and/or anti-bias education.
• Explore varied terrain, learn about local flora and fauna, and make music and art.
• Gracefully communicate with parents, caregivers, and the general public.
• Assist the Lead Teacher to document the children’s growth and learning.
• Attend an orientation and occasional professional development events related to nature-based early education.
• Complete state-required fingerprinting and background checks in a timely manner.
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Related duties as assigned.

Skills Development:

Interns who strive to learn and grow over the course of their internship often acquire a diverse set of transferable skills that go beyond traditional classroom settings.  Throughout the course of your internship, you may develop the following skillset:

• Nature Observation & Awareness:
• Identifying local flora and fauna.
• Understanding seasonal changes and their impact on the environment.
• Developing a keen sense of observation in the natural surroundings.
• Nature-Based Arts and Crafts:
• Creating art projects using natural materials.
• Fostering creativity through outdoor artistic expressions.
• Nature Exploration & Hiking:
• Leading nature walks and hikes, emphasizing curiosity and exploration.
• Teaching basic navigation skills and map reading.
• Environmental Stewardship:
• Instilling a sense of responsibility for the environment in children.
• Nurturing a lifelong commitment to caring for and preserving the environment.
• Outdoor Team-Building:
• Promoting collaboration and communication among children.
• Outdoor Classroom Management:
• Implementing effective strategies for group management in outdoor settings.
• Adapting teaching methods to varying weather conditions.
• Outdoor Risk Assessment:
• Conducting risk assessments for outdoor activities.
• Ensuring the safety of children during nature-based experiences.
• Parent & Community Engagement:
• Communicating the benefits and philosophy of nature-based education to parents.
• Cultural Competence in Nature Education:
• Incorporating inclusive practices in outdoor education.

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in nature-based early childhood education
• Eager to learn about classroom management in an outdoor setting
• Engaging and easily able to communicate with children, families, and colleagues
• Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes
• Able to hike across varied terrain while carrying supplies, including on hot and rainy days

Additional Information:

• Internship is unpaid, however, funding may be available through the city of Boston’s youth employment program
• Please apply at your earliest convenience.
• Successful  background checks are required.
• Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.
• Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.