Our client is an Outdoor/Nature Immersion School, serving children 3-6 years old. The school’s mission is to foster the development of the whole child – physical, cognitive, emotional and social – through use of a play, place, experiential and emergent curriculum. A natural environment offers the ideal setting wherein a child may grow and develop freely, with enthusiasm, confidence, and excitement.
This school utilizes place, play, experiential and emergent based learning, and incorporates pedagogies from Steiner, Reggio Emilia and Growing Up Wild from Project Wild. The Founder of the school is the Lead Teacher and works as a mentor and trainer to a small team of Outdoor Educators.
Job Description:
We are passionate about early childhood development and work every day in an outdoor immersive classroom. Our Outdoor Educators foster the development of self-regulation, self-direction, and self-reflection, they provide children with the educational foundation that will support them for the rest of their lives. We value the relationship between parents, teachers and community and work to build these relationships so we can nurture the growth of children during this important developmental time. Our Educators enjoy a collaborative, supportive work environment, and get to work with exceptional students and their families, with a focus on play based child care.
Students will engage in activities in a variety of classroom locations throughout San Diego such as parks, farms, community gardens, and buildings. Primary locations include Switzer Canyon, Presidio Park, Juniper Canyon and local beaches.
Classroom hours are 8:15-1:15 Monday through Friday. Classroom prep time is about 5 hours per week, plus there are weekly staff meetings and administrative work as needed.
- Arrive and set up outdoor classroom and meet children at drop off area.
- Learn, administer, and help develop curriculum, and tailor as needed to meet individual needs.
- Manage students’ physical safety in outdoor settings using sound judgment and applying appropriate risk management decisions; administer and document first aid as needed.
- Establish and maintain respectful, supportive and compassionate relationships with staff, volunteers and children.
- Attend weekly staff meetings and additional trainings as necessary.
- Minimum 2 years experience teaching with groups children 2-6 years old OR a minimum 12 units completed in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or equivalent field courses.
- CPR and First Aid certifications required (provided).
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Environmental Studies, or related is preferred, but not required.
