Forest School Educator (summer)

Are you ready to help create magical moments in an enchanted forest with curious little ones this summer? Do you love 3-9 year olds, their play, passions and investigations? Do you enjoy, nature exploration, arts and song, storytelling and bush crafts? This is a wonderful opportunity to joyfully guide children in their own learning journeys, in the beautiful forest landscapes of the San Juan Islands, WA.

We may be able to assist with accommodation and other part time work on the island.

Our Vision

Childhood is a magical time of curiosity, exploration, discovery and wonderment. In the presence of a loving educator and in mother nature’s arms, this natural state can thrive. At Little House the Forest, we focus on the holistic needs of the children: their social skills, resilience, creativity and self-esteem, to help them succeed, in any setting, throughout their lives.

Little House in the Forest, trusts that children will naturally gravitate towards the learning they seek, when given ample time for free play in the forest environment. We believe in creating a supportive multi-age community in which children are mentoring, learning from and collaborating with one another.

The children in our care, are encouraged to express compassion for themselves, one another, and for our world, by connecting to the tiniest ant, the vastness of the universe and everything in between.

Our practices draw on knowledge of Forest School, Reggio Emilia & Waldorf approaches, and most importantly, are guided by the unique culture that is created by the learning community and the flow of each class. We observe, listen and respond to our learner’s needs as they engage in free play, nature exploration, optional activities, teamwork and their passions.

Child to Educator ratio: 5:1 Maximum

Job Description

As an educator at Little House in the Forest summer school, you will be a companion, role model and mentor to around 15 children aged 3 - 9 years old.

In all of this, you will be a play investigator, understanding the rich purpose and learning that is taking place.

The ideal candidate will love children and their play, have some experience working with ages 3 - 9 years old, be passionate about the Forest School approach, the natural world, and enjoy being outdoors in whatever conditions the weather offers!

The candidate must have a strong belief in free play and informal, flow-based approaches to education. The ethos allows the school community to take ownership of their own learning journey and focuses on the personal, holistic development of the learners.

At Little House in the Forest, teamwork, flexibility, open communication, the ability to reflect and a growth mindset are essential to creating a successful, co-operative teaching team - the foundation for our learners. The chosen candidate will have the opportunity to share their unique talents, as appropriate, with the learners and their co-workers.

Role and duties:  

•     Assisting with experiences and projects.
•     Ensure safeguarding and health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to and applied at all times. (As outlined in the handbook).
•     Ensure the children receive appropriate gentle care, loving kindness, and supervision at all times.
•     Assist children with conflict resolution and developing social / emotional skills.
•     Through sensitive and careful interactions (talking, listening, coaching, observing) support the children in setting and achieving their own aims and play drives.
•     Demonstrate high expectations of the children in all aspects of their development, from self-care to communication and language.
•     Form caring, loving and appropriate relationships with the children in our care.
•     Form positive relationships with the parents of our children.
•     Ensure that all children are offered equal opportunities.
•     Helping set up class, packing away afterwards and generally keeping site and equipment maintained. To include installing tarpaulins during wet weather, helping prepare camp fires, helping with trail building, making simple constructions, cleaning bell tent and storage area etc.
•     Undertaking all the practical aspects of looking after 3–9 year-olds and ensuring their wellbeing; e.g. helping them change, ensuring hands are washed, helping them at meal times, making sure they are warm enough, protected from the sun, offering comfort in times of distress, etc.
•     Regularly communicating with parents and carers, giving them daily feedback about their child’s day.
•     Carry out all duties and planned activities to a high standard every time, within the agreed hours.

Qualifications Required:

At least one year experience working with ages 3 - 9 years
Love of children’s play and playful learning adventures
Willingness to work through problem solving and help children with social / emotional skills
Love of the outdoors and sharing enthusiasm and protection for the natural world
Ability to lift at least 50lbs
Ability to work as a team
A reflective approach to professional and personal growth

Qualifications Desired:

Experience in a Forest School, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia or Environmental Education setting.
Qualification in Child Development
Knowledge of Flora and Fauna of the San Juan Islands

Dates: July 18th - August 12th

Hours: 8:30am - 1:30pm Tuesdays - Fridays. 

Pay: $18 per hour

A background check would need to done prior to starting work.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Please visit our website for more information regarding our program:

www.littlehouseintheforest.com

How to apply:

For more information about this great opportunity to be immersed in nature, supporting the learning goals of little ones, please email two or three paragraphs expressing your interest and your resume to:

amy@littlehouseintheforest.com

The position will remain open until filled.