Forest Preschool Teacher

The Preschool Lead Teacher is responsible for the implementation of Forest Preschool at CMNC, a nature-based, preschool and childcare for children ages 2 – 5 years old in Leakin Park. Implementation includes child supervision, curriculum development, communication with families, and maintaining a safe, developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environment. Position includes professional development and on-going evaluation. The part-time Preschool Teacher will work 4 8-hour days per week with one set weekday off. In addition to direct supervision of children, the Lead Teacher also has 2 hours of planning time to use weekly. 

The position includes embodying Forest Preschool’s commitment to nature education and requires thoughtful planning for learning experiences (primarily outdoors) to help children feel more confident engaging with the natural world while preparing them with the skills they need to be successful in their future school experiences. The Forest Preschool Teacher collaborates with the Forest Preschool team to deliver intentional and responsive care to preschoolers (2-5 years old). Position reports to Director of Carrie Murray Nature Center. 

Overview of responsibilities: 

• Collaborates to implement site-specific nature-based, emergent early childhood curriculum for children ages 2 – 5 years old. 
• Implements best practices and policies for young children and families; provides intentional and responsive care to children in program through process of child-caregiver attachment theory 
• Responsible for maintaining a safe indoor/outdoor environment that supports child-led, developmentally appropriate play and meets MSDE licensing requirements 
• Communicates regularly with current families about the children’s progress and individual needs of children in order to ensure success of program 
• Produces documents (written, photo and video) and manages materials (child artifacts and work samples) that document child learning 
• Responsible for authentic assessment of children in program, to be shared in biannual conference reports and in parent-teacher conferences 
• Implements and evaluates extended events for childcare and preschool families

Essential Experience and Education:

• AA degree preferred (or the equivalent of 48 college credits), including at least 15 semester hours of coursework in the field early education or childhood development
• Minimum of one year experience working with young children in a childcare setting
• Possess the following credentials, certifications, or licenses: Current first aid and CPR credentials; 90 hour Child Care Certificate (Applicant may pursue certification upon hire) 
• Must complete the annual clock hours required by the Office of Child Care to advance or maintain childcare credentials 
• Must be 19 years of age

To Apply:

• Send resume and cover letter to mneill@baltimorecity.gov
• Apply to position via the Job Posting