Assistant Nature Preschool Teacher

Position Summary

The Nature School Assistant Educator will support the Program Director to plan and implement our inquiry-based nature school program for children ages 3.5 to 5.  The position will start in mid-August 2026, with the school year running September through early June. Summer opportunities may be available.

OEA’s Nature School is an early childhood education program in McMinnville, Oregon.  The curriculum is inquiry-based and emerges out of the students’ curiosity and motivation. Through daily interactions with the land and a balance of guided activities and free play, students build executive function, motor skills, community connection, and confidence while learning within, about, and as part of nature. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

The Assistant Educator will work under the guidance and support of the Program Director-Lead Educator to:

• Support and follow established best practices and guidelines for nature-based early childhood education as set by leading professional organizations.
• Continuously assess and manage health, safety, and behavioral risks in outdoor settings, including weather hazards, wildlife, and age-appropriate risky play.
• Create a welcoming, joyful, inclusive space that honors diversity, equity, and belonging for all children and families.
• Compassionately support the developmental needs of 3.5-5 year olds, including assistance with toileting, dressing, meals, and outdoor exploration.
• Support each child's development through engaging, playful, inquiry-based learning experiences that are grounded in emergent curriculum and responsive to children’s interests.
• Understand and respond to each child's individual identities, strengths, needs, and differences, including supporting behavior through observation, documentation, and planning.
• Build respectful, culturally-responsive partnerships with families through ongoing communication including emails, meetings, conferences, and events.
• Participate actively in staff meetings, training, professional development, family orientations, and school events.
• Assist in planning and facilitating family engagement opportunities including monthly volunteer work days and seasonal gatherings.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 18 years or older.
• Early childhood education experience or coursework.
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start date).
• Flexibility to adapt activities in response to unexpected events.
• Sensitivity to children's diverse life experiences, identities, and needs.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions with a positive attitude.
• Ability to navigate uneven outdoor terrain, climb over obstacles, and walk through natural areas while monitoring and assisting children; lift/carry up to 50 lbs (reasonable accommodations available).
• Ability to monitor and assist children with personal needs and in exploring in outdoor settings.
• Reliable transportation to the Nature School site in McMinnville.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, particularly in the Forest School model.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
• Background in science, natural history, outdoor education, or related fields (bachelor's degree or higher preferred).
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Proficiency in Spanish or other languages spoken by families in our community.

Working Conditions & Schedule

Instruction takes place entirely outdoors in non-hazardous weather conditions, with no indoor classroom. The program runs Monday–Thursday, 9:30am–1:30pm (10:30am–1:30pm, December–February), with 30-45 minutes of additional time before and after for setup and planning. The school year generally follows the McMinnville School District calendar (September–early June) and includes a mid-August start for staff planning. Additional commitments include Parent Orientation, monthly Saturday family volunteer workdays and seasonal family gatherings.

Compensation Range: $18.72-$20.17

We welcome candidates who may not meet every qualification but are excited about this opportunity and committed to learning and growth. 

To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter to info@edoutdoors.org. 

Questions: Please contact Heidi Hoskins, Nature School Director at 801-520-0468 or email heidi@edoutdoors.org. Visit our website, www.edoutdoors.org, to learn more about us.

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