Nature Preschool & Toddler Teacher

Boston Outdoor Preschool NetworkNature Preschool & Toddler TeacherSudburySchool Year 2024-2025Mission: The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while initiating them into a lifelong relationship with the natural world. We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early childhood education.What We Do: BOPN is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education, with programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sudbury, Sherborn, and Natick. We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. Our programs combine early childhood and environmental education.
Our goals are to promote childrens physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility. A Day in the Life as a Lead Teacher: At BOPN, we believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them. The outdoor environment continually surprises and provides the perfect soil for BOPN learners to grow in. As a mixed age teacher you will engage toddlers and preschoolers with mud oozing through fingers, paint brushes dipped in their earthen pallet, faces joyful as they experiment with the vacuum pull of the soil on muddy boots.
The children under your care will develop skills across multiple domains through hands-on play in nature. The pleasure of the learning experience, the sense of belonging to the world around them, the peace of the compelling and compassionate connection with nature will fill their hearts and yours as you adventure together!Lead Teacher Position: We are seeking an experienced, versatile teacher to adventure with us. This is the right fit for someone who is young at heart and trusts in play to form childrens minds, hearts, and bodies. Position Description: Schedule: Monday - FridayHours: Teaching hours are 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.
The position also includes prep-time for family communication, curriculum design, and related responsibilities.Location: 100% outdoors at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury, MACalendar: September - June. We also offer a separate summer program in July and August.Compensation: Salaried position at a rate equivalent to $22 - $27/hour, with paid time off for breaks and holidaysPosition Responsibilities: Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Use a nature-based and child-centered approach. Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with parents and children. Nature Exploration: Instill a deep appreciation and understanding of nature.
Plan and execute projects that promote a connection with the natural world. Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of wonder about the environment.Family Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parents regarding their child's development and experiences in the program. Lead parent-teacher conferences and participate in family events.Team Collaboration: Engage in collaborative planning sessions with your colleagues. Learn the strengths of your co-teachers and create a class environment that best utilizes these skill sets.Documentation: Use photos and stories as a tool for communication, reflection, and new learning.
Monitor each childs development and progress.Professional Development: Meet with your supervisor and/or coach on a regular basis.Attend occasional staff meetings, professional development, and special events.Safety: Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay comfortable in rainy and hot weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict. Leadership: Supervise high school and college youth workers and interns.Host visits for prospective interns and youth workers.Administrative Responsibilities: Marketing: Author compelling pieces for the BOPN blog, & communicate regularly with current and prospective families through newsletters, emails, or meetings.Admissions: Host tours for prospective families & communicate with currently enrolled families regarding program offerings, enrollment, and registration.These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.
How to Apply: Email your resume and cover letter to hiring@bopn.orgAdditional Information: Successful reference and 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.We have site locations around the greater Boston & MetroWest area. We are delighted to be opening new locations in Natick, Sherborn, and Milton next fall and are currently seeking experienced educators to join these programs! For other career opportunities, please click here: https://www.bopn.org/employment-positions