Nature-Based Early Childhood Educator

CBI Forest School (www.cbiforestschool.com) is seeking a warm, joyful, and reflective educator to join our early childhood team. Located in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia, CBI Forest School is a Jewish nature-based school serving children from 18 months through 4th grade. Inspired by Forest School, Reggio Emilia, and experiential education philosophies, we believe children learn best through relationships, inquiry, creativity, and meaningful engagement with the natural world.

Working as part of a collaborative teaching team, this educator will help create a nurturing and engaging learning environment where children's ideas, questions, and discoveries shape the curriculum. Teachers spend the majority of the day outdoors in all seasons, supporting social-emotional growth, fostering wonder and curiosity, and helping children build strong connections to themselves, one another, and the natural world. Through observation, documentation, play, and inquiry, educators partner with children to create meaningful learning experiences rooted in exploration, community, and joy. The position begins in August 2026.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to build warm, responsive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Comfort working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain
• A sense of humor, flexibility, and joy in working with children and colleagues

• Familiarity with Jewish education, culture, and traditions, or enthusiasm for learning within a Jewish educational community