Job Details
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network
Nature Preschool & Toddler Teacher
Sudbury
School Year 2024-2025
Mission:
The Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is dedicated to meeting the developmental needs of the whole child while fostering a lifelong connection with the natural world. Our mission is to expand access to nature-based early childhood education..
What We Do:
BOPN is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education. Our programs span across Boston, Milton, Malden, Sudbury, Sherborn, and Natick. We bring families together in a close-knit community, providing children with a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. Our approach combines early childhood education with environmental awareness. Our goals include promoting children s physical and mental health, encouraging environmental stewardship, and nurturing habits of curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility.
A Day in the Life as a Lead Teacher:
At BOPN, we believe that children are naturally motivated to learn through exploration. Our outdoor environment continually surprises and provides fertile ground for BOPN learners to thrive. As a mixed-age teacher, you ll engage toddlers and preschoolers in activities like mud play, painting with earthy colors, and exploring the soil s textures. Children under your care will develop skills across multiple domains through hands-on play in nature. The joy of learning, the sense of belonging to the world around them, and the compassionate connection with nature will fill their hearts and yours as you embark on this adventure together!
Lead Teacher Position:
We are seeking an experienced, versatile teacher to adventure with us. This is the right fit for someone who is young at heart and trusts in play to form children's minds, hearts, and bodies.
Position Description:
- Schedule: Monday - Friday
- Hours: Teaching hours are 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The position also includes prep-time for family communication, curriculum design, and related responsibilities.
- Location: 100% outdoors at Wolbach Farm in Sudbury, MA
- Calendar: September - June. We also offer a separate summer program in July and August.
- Compensation: Salaried position at a rate equivalent to $22 - $27/hour, with paid time off for breaks and holidays
Position Responsibilities:
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice:
- Use a nature-based and child-centered approach.
- Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with parents and children.
- Nature Exploration:
- Instill a deep appreciation and understanding of nature.
- Plan and execute projects that promote a connection with the natural world.
- Encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of wonder about the environment.
- Family Communication:
- Maintain open and regular communication with parents regarding their child's development and experiences in the program.
- Lead parent-teacher conferences and participate in family events.
- Team Collaboration:
- Engage in collaborative planning sessions with your colleagues. Learn the strengths of your co-teachers and create a class environment that best utilizes these skill sets.
- Documentation:
- Use photos and stories as a tool for communication, reflection, and new learning. Monitor each child s development and progress.
- Professional Development:
- Meet with your supervisor and/or coach on a regular basis.
- Attend occasional staff meetings, professional development, and special events.
- Safety:
- Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay comfortable in rainy and hot weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict.
- Leadership:
- Supervise high school and college youth workers and interns.
- Host visits for prospective interns and youth workers.
- Administrative Responsibilities:
- Marketing: Author compelling pieces for the BOPN blog, & communicate regularly with current and prospective families through newsletters, emails, or meetings.
- Admissions: Host tours for prospective families & communicate with currently enrolled families regarding program offerings, enrollment, and registration.
These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.
Position Requirements:
- Experience:
- At least 3 years of experience in early childhood education, nature education, or a related field.
- Licensing:
- Possession of an EEC teacher license or the ability to achieve a teacher license within 6 months of hire.
- Classroom Management:
- Demonstrated strong classroom management skills with the ability to maintain a safe learning environment outdoors.
- Communication:
- Engaging and able to communicate easily with children, families, and colleagues.
- Critical Thinking and Ownership:
- A critical thinker who can problem-solve and take ownership of program logistics and operations in addition to teaching.
- Adaptability and Proactivity:
- Adaptable and proactive, willing to take initiative to enhance the learning experience.
- Passion for Environmental Education:
- A genuine passion for environmental education and commitment to anti-bias education.
- Love for Nature:
- Delights in the wonders of nature and appreciates its unique and interesting aspects.
- Weather Resilience:
- Willingness to embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes.
- Self-Awareness:
- Humble and knowledgeable of one s own limitations.
- Continuous Learning:
- An eagerness to learn and a commitment to continual improvement.
How to Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to ...@bopn.org
Additional Information:
- Successful reference and background checks are required.
- Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.
- Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
- We have site locations around the greater Boston & MetroWest area. For other career opportunities, please click here.