2026–2027 Outdoor Preschool Teacher

Fidalgo Nature School is seeking Teachers for our all-outdoor preschool program for youth ages 3-6 in Deception Pass State Park, Washington State. Candidates need to be available for the whole school year. 

• August 24, 2026 (staff training begins) through June 11, 2027 (last day of school)
• 1 to 2 days/week from 9:00am- 2:00pm, with options to substitute on other days
• Additional administrative projects may be available

Our licensed forest school aims to provide high-quality education, grounded in emergent outdoor play. Research shows that these types of experiences prepare students for success in kindergarten and a life of learning. The outdoor classroom presents an engaging, dynamic environment for this; our teachers are an essential part of helping students develop a sense of connection with nature, explore themes of compassion, respect and stewardship, and learn through exploration and play. We operate on Coast Salish land, and Indigenous life, past and present, is an important part of what students learn about at Fidalgo Nature School. The Since Time Immemorial curriculum is embedded in our program.

We are committed to hiring and retaining staff with a diverse range of experiences and creating an equitable environment and community. Please note: We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, male-identifying educators, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and other underrepresented and historically marginalized groups. 

Teacher Responsibilities: 

Teachers may take on the role of Lead Teacher, Assistant Teacher, or Teaching Aide depending on their qualifications, experience and school needs. At a minimum, responsibilities include those required for taking on the role of Teaching Aide in our classes:

• Create an inviting and emotionally safe classroom meeting the cultural, behavioral and physical needs of our students.
• Share responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of all children. This includes helping children stay warm and dry in wet weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing student conflict.
• Work cooperatively with Lead and Assistant Teachers to support class in daily activities.
• Help ensure that the classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF).
• Help ensure that the classroom operates within the Washington Administrative Code. 
• Assist students in the restroom and do standing diaper changes.
• Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 18 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Commitment to learn about outdoor nature-based, early childhood education. 
• Interactions expressive of genuine warmth and respect for children’s feelings, abilities, and differences.
• Openness to learn about and support equity and inclusivity in education. 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, swim, hike comfortably, as well as twist, bend, and kneel to interact with young children.

Desired Qualifications:

• Adult/Pediatric First Aid/CPR certified (in-person, hands-on course; reimbursement available if needed)
• Bilingual: Spanish, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Mandarin, ASL, or other languages 
• Knowledge of natural history/science, plant/animal identification, knowledge of agricultural practices, trail building or land stewardship, 4H experience and other experiences that have allowed you to connect with nature.
• Formal education in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education or related.
• Experience teaching, coaching or leading preschool-aged children outside 
• Emergency preparedness and response training such as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Lifeguard certifications.

Pre Service Requirements:

• Portable Background Check through the WA State DCYF MERIT system (reimbursement available)
• Record of negative TB test within last 12 months (reimbursement available)
• Record or exemption letter for MMR immunization, proof of measles immunity, or medical history of measles