Nature Preschool Program Director & Teacher

Position: Nature Preschool Program Director & Teacher For Kinglets, Field Farm and Forest’s Nature/Play-Based Child Care  

Qualifications:

• The Nature Preschool Program Director & Teacher must meet the qualifications for Program Director and Teacher Associate under the Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education and have a minimum of 3 years of experience teaching ages 3-6 in a nature-based and/or play-based environment.
• The candidate shall be:
  • Experienced in the management of preschool operations and/or teaching staff, including staff recruitment, hiring, supervision, and design of ongoing professional development
  • Passionate about the natural world with a deep commitment to the development of early childhood learning experiences in nature
  • Comfortable working and teaching outside joyfully in a variety of temperatures and weather conditions
  • Experienced with emergent curriculum and familiar with forest kindergartens, Reggio Emillia, and/or Waldorf philosophies
  • A strong writer and communicator who is able to work cooperatively and independently
  • Able to relate to young children and adults in an emotionally responsive manner
  • Flexible and adaptable to the needs of a small but growing organization and committed to the mission, vision, and core values of Field, Farm & Forest
  • Certified in child CPR and first aid
  • Knowledgeable and/or willing to learn about Vermont’s Licensed Child Care Regulations

Prior to commencing employment the candidate must pass a criminal background and fingerprint check.

Job Responsibilities:

• Administering the Kinglets school year program, supervising full-time and part-time educators, and teaching 3-6 year olds
• Overseeing and managing operations of a nature and play-based preschool
• Coordinating and overseeing all Kinglets curriculum and program development, marketing, and registration of new students
• Ensuring compliance with all child care licensing regulations
• Creating marketing materials, social media posts, and parent communication materials
• Administering and leading summer camp programs for ages 3-6 years old 
• Communicating and reporting monthly to the Field, Farm & Forest Board of Directors regarding programming, enrollment, and staffing
• Training, managing, supervising and providing ongoing professional development for all preschool program staff 
• Planning the work schedule of each staff member and substitutes as needed
• Communicating clearly with teaching staff to ensure that curriculum and instruction is of highest quality and meets the individual needs of each child
• Planning and leading weekly staff meetings throughout the year
• Collaborating with Business Manager on budget and financial reports
• Planning and implementing daily nature-inspired lessons based on the emerging interests of the children, drawing on forest kindergarten, Reggio Emilia and/or Waldorf principles
• Communicating with families regularly about their child’s development, play experiences, and interests
• Conducting parent-teacher conferences with teaching team bi-annually
• Planning and facilitating family events throughout the year

Position Details: 

• This position is a 12 month, full-time position
• Monday-Friday, approximately 40 hrs/week during the school year plus additional hours for community events; summer hours may vary
• Compensation commensurate with experience
• Anticipated start date: summer 2024

About Field, Farm & Forest:

Field, Farm & Forest is a 501-3c non-profit and licensed childcare located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We serve children ages 3-6 years old in our Kinglets Nature Preschool program and ages 6-12 through additional enrichment programs. We began in 2013 as a little "nature school" for 3-6 year olds in East Burke, VT and have since grown to additionally include summer camps and homeschool programs for various ages. We now operate our preschool and licensed child care program (“Kinglets”) at the Wildflower Inn in Lyndon, VT on the iconic Darling Hill Road. Visit: www.fieldfarmandforest.org to learn more.

We strongly believe that every child deserves a lot of time outdoors each day and plenty of self-directed learning experiences. Research shows that time in nature and "free play" provide a myriad of benefits to a child's emotional, physical, sensory, cognitive, and social development. Through our programs, we strive to cultivate curiosity, community and nature connection here in the Northeast Kingdom.

The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, also known as “the last little corner of Vermont”, is known for its natural beauty, extensive mountain bike trail network - Kingdom Trails, both cross country skiing and alpine skiing, and more. Nestled in the Green Mountains, the Northeast Kingdom is a true gem for any nature-loving, outdoor enthusiast.

How to Apply:

Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and 3 references to: 

Field, Farm & Forest Hiring Committee 

nikki@fieldfarmandforest.org