Lead Preschool Teacher/Facilitator

Lead Nature Playschool Teacher / Facilitator (1099 Independent Contractor)

Company: Farm School by the Sea

Location: Wilmington, NC (On-site)

Job Type: Part-time / Contract (1099)

Hours: 15–20 hours per week

Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM (+ Required Monthly Staff Meetings)

Pay: Starting at $20.00 / hour

About Farm School by the Sea

At Farm School by the Sea, we believe nature and hands-on discovery provide the foundation for early childhood growth. We connect young learners to the natural world, coastal flora and fauna, and farm life through child-led play, seasonal rhythms, sensory immersion, and gentle animal interactions in a safe, nurturing environment.

Position Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic, dependable, and experienced Lead Nature Playschool Teacher / Facilitator to lead our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (M/W/F) class for children ages 3–4 as an Independent Contractor (1099).

This position offers 15–20 hours per week and blends rich outdoor farm and nature play space exploration with an indoor classroom component. You will facilitate engaging daily rhythms that foster curiosity, independence, and emotional growth across both our outdoor spaces and indoor classroom setting.

Key Responsibilities & Scope of Work

• Class Facilitation: Lead the M/W/F Nature Playschool session (ages 3–4) from start to finish, managing daily rhythms including morning circles, storytime, guided nature/farm walks, mud kitchen play, tinker table projects, sensory/tuff tray activities, animal visits, and indoor learning station time.
• Outdoor Learning with Minimal Time Indoors: Seamlessly guide children between nature play space environments and the indoor classroom space, maintaining a safe, structured, and warm environment in both settings. Most of the day is spent outdoors, weather permitting.
• Curriculum Implementation: Execute nature-based learning activities and curriculum while adapting to child-led discovery and group dynamics.
• Safety & Supervision: Perform continuous visual supervision across outdoor farm/play areas and indoor facilities. Conduct regular environment and risk assessments and handle minor first-aid needs as necessary.
• Group Management: Utilize positive and gentle guidance techniques to support social-emotional regulation, peer interaction, and daily transitions.
• Setup & Cleanup: Prepare, arrange, and reset indoor and outdoor learning areas—including sensory/tuff trays, tinker tables, and mud kitchen stations—before and after class.
• Staff Collaboration: Attend and participate in required monthly all-staff meetings for program coordination, safety updates, and team alignment.
• Parent Communication: Greet families warmly during arrival and dismissal, providing updates on student growth and daily activities through our communication app.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years leading groups of young children (ages 3–5) in an early childhood, forest school, preschool, or outdoor education setting.
• Education/Background: Academic background or certifications in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Environmental Education, or related fields.
• Indoor & Outdoor Adaptability: Comfortable facilitating learning both indoors and in outdoor coastal elements across seasons (heat, mud, light rain, cold) and around farm animals.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to navigate uneven farm terrain, bend, sit on the ground, lift up to 40 lbs, and move quickly to ensure child safety.
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certification (or commitment to obtain prior to start date). Must successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background check.
• 1099 Contractor Status: As an independent contractor, you will manage your schedule according to the contract, maintain your independent status, and handle your own tax withholdings.

Schedule & Hours

• Daily Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
• Total Weekly Commitment: 15–20 hours per week (includes class time, setup/pack-down, curriculum planning, and scheduled monthly meetings).
• Meetings: Attendance at required monthly all-staff meetings (scheduled in advance).
• Calendar: Operates on seasonal school term calendars (Fall, Spring, Summer sessions).

How to Apply

If you're passionate about early childhood education, value nature-based learning, and enjoy spending time outdoors, we would love to connect with you! Please submit your resume along with a brief statement on your teaching philosophy.