Nature Schools, Forest Schools, Outdoor Schools

Position: Part time Nature Preschool Educator
Preschool: Les Arterres
Location: Wakefield, near Ottawa/Gatineau QC
Date posted: Nov 10, 2023

Our Nature Preschool is a season-based, play-based, nature preschool. We are seeking adventurous and enthusiastic educators to join our team.

Our program’s philosophy is inspired by the belief that healthy child development requires a nurturing environment where young children can explore, wonder, create, and develop their gifts through self-directed play and time in nature. We offer a full-day preschool program Monday through Friday.

Currently we are hiring a part time educator who can work Fridays and potentially more in January.

Qualifications:

• Current First Aid with CPR-C (or able to complete prior to start date)
• Clear criminal record check, vulnerable sector check and social development check
• Experience working with young children and experience working in an outdoor setting
• Physically capable of performing teaching duties with enthusiasm regardless of the weather (rain, sleet, snow, heat) including the ability to walk distances and over uneven terrain, carry a backpack and supplies

• Interest in nature mentoring, Coyote Mentoring, the Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, or Waldkindergarten approaches to early childhood education, and an appreciation for emergent learning philosophies
• Understanding of the benefits of risk taking, movement, and physical development in the early years
• Familiarity with the local flora and interest in learning about and improving upon your outdoor skills including knots, shelter building, self-care/appropriate clothing, leave-no-trace practices and human nature beneficial reciprocal relationships through wild edibles, foraging, plant processing, ad well as regenerative community practices.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety of all children including, but not limited to, forest play, hiking, climbing trees or while in close proximity to such things as standing water, streams and other terrain
• Daily preparation of learning areas and materials
• Responsible for the maintenance of program tools and equipment
• Working closely with co-teacher to plan, prepare, and co-create seasonal activities and projects utilizing natural materials, locally foraged or sourced
• Implement mentorship strategies that are individually focused and age appropriate, with an emphasis on compassion and respect
• Willingness to attend staff trainings, educator meetings, parent meetings and Nature School related events
• Communicate with parents effectively, in person, by phone, or e-mail regarding the program and the progress of their child or children

To apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to: lesarterres@gmail.com

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.