Forest Preschool Teacher

The Position

The Forest Preschool (FPS) Teacher works collaboratively with the FPS Director and other FPS teachers to facilitate child-centered play and learning with nature. The FPS Teacher promotes best practices of a nature-based early childhood program at NBNC. The FPS Teacher is responsible for a regular teaching schedule, ongoing and collaborative curriculum and education philosophy development, student safety, risk management, outdoor site assessments, and student behavior. The FPS Teacher helps nurture student growth, and supports the FPS Director in parent/teacher conferences and family communication, FPS special events, and FPS files and documentation. A member of the NBNC Education Team, the FPS Teacher plays a supporting role in maintaining Swallow’s Nest (the building that houses the FPS program) and the adjoining Nature Playscape through daily upkeep.

Responsibilities include:

Forest Preschool Teaching

• Coordinate and teach FPS lessons and activities in a full teaching schedule. Much of this teaching occurs outside in all of Vermont’s weather conditions.
• Support all areas of whole-child development and promote a nature- and play-based approach to learning. Provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all children and families. Nurture relationships with students and their families.
• Observe, assess, and document student growth and learning using Teaching Strategies Gold and other assessment tools. Conduct parent-teacher conferences.
• Support children through transitions including dressing for outdoor play, using the bathroom and handwashing, and during drop-off and pick-up times.
• Communicate and collaborate with all other FPS staff and with FPS families.
• Attend NBNC Education Team meetings and NBNC staff meetings.
• May sit on or lead Board/staff committees.

Management of Risk, Spaces, and Materials

• Adhere to all NBNC safety protocols, and manage risk in an outdoor setting.
• Conduct risk benefit assessments and site assessments for frequently used outdoor learning spaces.
• Collaborate with the FPS teaching team to prepare the learning environment for the day. Clean and maintain the Swallows Nest indoor classroom and the Nature Playscape outdoor classroom.

Qualifications

• A passion for NBNC’s mission of Connecting People with the Natural World.
• BA in Early Childhood Education or Primary Education or an Early Childhood Certification in VT.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with Vermont Center Based Childcare Licencing Regulations.
• Background or coursework related to nature-based early childhood education and/or environmental education.
• Strong classroom and behavior management skills
• Experience leading and teaching students aged 3 to 6 in an outdoor nature-based program in all types of weather.
• Experience with storytelling, singing, and incorporating nature-inspired lessons in daily teaching routine.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Commitment to professional development in equity, inclusion and justice; values diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives.
• Completion of Mandated Reporter Training and Vermont Preschool Orientation Training and a clear background check.
• First Aid and CPR certifications (Wilderness First Aid preferred).