Forest Preschool Teacher

The Forest Preschool at Carrie Murray Nature Center provides children with a first school experience that is playful, explorative, and immersed in nature! The forest Preschool Co-Teacher is responsible for facilitating programming for children ages 2-5 years old. In this position, co-teachers are committed to providing daily experiences for their students to explore the forest through unstructured play, intentional learning, and hands-on interactions in nature, which supports implementing a nature-based curriculum informed by developmentally appropriate practices as recognized by MSDE licensing and NAEYC standards. Co-teachers are responsible for maintaining safe, developmentally appropriate environments both inside the classroom and when learning outdoors. Implementation includes observation, scaffolding learning, and documentation of children's skills, interests, and growth as well as close collaboration with the Forest Preschool team to best meet all children's needs. Co-teachers are responsible for regular communication with families, co-workers and administrators, and all communication should be guided by a desire to listen to and speak compassionately with both children and adults. Position includes professional development and on-going evaluation.

The position includes embodying a commitment to nature education and requires thoughtful planning for learning experiences (primarily outdoors) to prepare Baltimore’s youngest stewards for kindergarten.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Strong emotional intelligence, including empathy and listening skill set
• Loves working with young children and is energetic and passionate about working one-on-one with children, as well as with groups of children
• Able to work cooperatively and collaboratively in an all outdoor, forest setting, and open and flexible to new ideas
• Dedication to play-based education and a passion for exploring the natural environment
• Physically able to walk up to 2 miles a day, in all weather, and lift objects of up to 50lbs.

Certifications:

• Lead teacher must possess current MSDE-required credential to teach in a licensed childcare setting. This includes the 90 hours for Preschool-Aged Children (45-hour Child Growth and Development + 45-hour Curriculum) **Candidates without this certification may still be considered if they obtain this credential within 6 months of hire

• Current Emergency First Aid and Child CPR certificate; (or willing to obtain quickly)

Experience:

• Experience in early childhood education and/or outdoor/nature education programs preferred
• Experience working with children between the ages of 2 – 5 years old is preferred
• Experience in play- based AND/OR emergent, nature-based, outdoor preschool settings is a bonus

To apply, please use Workday and submit your application for "Associate Teacher Preschool, Forest Preschool Teacher." Please note: there are 2 Forest Preschool Teacher positions posted: full-time and part-time.