Lead Forest Preschool Teacher (Maternity Leave -- Temp)

Lead Forest Preschool Teacher

Are you an outdoor educator with childcare experience and emergent, child-led, provocation-based curriculum development skills? This is the job for you! We are a home-based, Forest Preschool program in Columbia, MD in search of a Lead Forest Preschool Teacher to step in while our permanent Lead Teacher is on Maternity Leave. . This is a full-time contract position that includes 1.5 hours of dedicated planning time each day.

Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:30AM – 3:30PM

Dates: July 1st - September 27th, 2024

Responsibilities:

· Plan a child-centered, play-based Forest School Curriculum with a provided budget

· Develop lesson plans for child-centered provocations

· Lead morning circle and afternoon circle

· Lead outdoor expeditions and activities on the two-acre property, which includes access to marshland, a creek, and forest. Perform tick checks in summer.

· Provide feedback to parents as needed and in the form of a curricular weekly update

· Provide guidance to the Assistant Forest Preschool Teachers

Qualifications

· A self-starter who is excited about leading a class of Wild Child Children aged 2-5.

· A belief in the inherent necessity of child’s play.

· Minimum three year experience working with children aged 2-5

· Ability to observe children’s play with interest, assessing when your involvement would be detrimental to their development and when it is appropriate for educational or safety reasons.

· Knowledge of and appreciation for nature-oriented preschool education and how it fits into different educational models.

· Able to lift 50 pounds and engage in rigorous physical activity, including long hikes, bending, and lifting.

· Comfortable touching bugs, other critters, and chickens in an educational environment.

· Comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

· CPR/First Aid Certified

· College degree in Early Education or related field preferred

Little Bird Forest School is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Childcare: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person