Forest School
Bluff Lake Forest School is inspired by the European Forest School philosophy. Unlike a traditional preschool, Bluff Lake Forest School operates exclusively outdoors where children (ages 3-7) learn in and from the natural environment. Educators are present to facilitate children’s learning, which is guided by their own experiences and interests. Bluff Lake Forest School focuses on pre-academic skill development including critical thinking skills, problem-solving, and building social and emotional competence. Our educators provide high-quality, meaningful learning experiences that meet children’s developmental needs, while fostering their natural curiosity and scaffolding the children’s learning. Bluff Lake Forest School allows children the space and freedom to examine their own interests, while supporting each child’s development. We model appropriate behavior and language, ask questions, and are there for the children for whatever they might need.

The responsibilities of the Forest School Educator include the following:

• Facilitate 2 half days a week (Mon and Fri, roughly from 8:15am-12:15pm) and facilitate 3 full days a week (Tue, Wed, Thu, roughly from 8:15am-3:45pm)
• Assist Forest School Manager and other Forest School Educators to implement, and deliver an outdoor-based preschool program based on the enrolled children’s individual and group’s educational, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs.
• Work in conjunction with the Education Team to maintain organized education materials onsite.
• Participate in related staff activities, including but not limited to training, special programs, planning sessions, and staff meetings.

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to BLNC and its mission of making nature and environmental education more accessible and equitable
• Strong organizational and communication skills with adults and children
• Background check and fingerprints submitted and cleared by the Colorado Department of Human Services (BLNC coordinates and pays for this)
• Team player, enthusiastic, organized, creative, critical thinker, and self-motivated
• Reliable transportation to Bluff Lake Nature Center
• Ability to work independently and on multiple projects
• Desire and ability to communicate clearly and positively, and cooperate well, with co-workers, volunteers, visitors, contractors, partners and others
• Ability to problem solve, show initiative, and make sound decisions needed to fulfill job duties and meet organizational objectives
• Basic computer skills such as Excel, Word, and email
• Candidates who speak fluent Spanish will be given additional compensation, but it is not required
• Remain flexible and calm when addressing conflict involving activities of young children ranging from 3 to 7 years of age.

Physical Requirements:

• Be prepared for physical activities such as walking/hiking (up to 2 miles); wading in Sand Creek (the creek bed is rocky and can be slippery).
• Conduct activities involving stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, twisting, and reaching on a frequent basis and moderate sitting.
• Sit on the ground or crouch at a child’s level. Lift a child weighing up to 50 pounds. Lift, carry, push, and/or pull a wagon weighing up to 25 pounds.

Environmental Conditions:

• The majority of this position's duties are performed in an outdoor environment. Employees may be exposed to adverse weather including snow, rain, wind, and heat, and poor air quality, and must dress appropriately for the weather.