The Job Title Early Childhood Educator

Reports to Early Childhood Director

FLSA Status Regular Full-Time (Non- Exempt) or Part Time

Last Revision Date March 2023

About Connolly Ranch Education Center:
Our mission as a 501 c3 nonprofit is to instill children of all ages with a deep respect for the environment; a strong
understanding of farming and sustainable agriculture; and a love for the natural world.

Connolly Ranch Education Center’s (CREC) unique nature and discovery-based pedagogy is centered around
cultivating social, emotional, gross and fine motor and ecological intelligence as children of all ages explore and
interact with our animals, garden and wild spaces. Our natural and ever-changing educational environment
provides spontaneous opportunities to explore and learn from “what just happened.” We lead with inquiry to
encourage children to become dynamic learners, mindful leaders, and divergent thinkers.

CREC’s educational pedagogy is found in the Reggio Emilia Approach, and operates much like a Forest School as all
programs take place in our dynamic and ever changing outdoor classrooms that includes our edible garden, farm
with over 30 animals, and wildspaces. In addition, CREC’s early childhood programs incorporate the Rainbow
Action Networks’ DEI curriculum.

Position Overview:
The Early Childhood Educator position reports to the Lead ECE Educator and ECE Director within Connolly Ranch
Education Center, and is part of a passionate and collaberative group committed to connecting children to nature
and the joy of learning through discovery-based education.

CREC educators work closely with fellow lead and support educators and children to facilitate thoughtful outdoor
classes. Tasks include delivery of weekly lesson plans designed within the In-With-For Relationship model of
learning that is based on children’s emergent interests, seasonal learning within the outdoor classrooms, on-going
reflection about and assessment of children, and the CREC Playschool programs, in collaboration with other
teachers and/or volunteers. CREC educators set the tone for learning as engaged, thoughtful and patient role
models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive atmosphere.

Distinguishing Features:

The Early Childhood Educator reports to the Early Childhood Education Director and serves as an educator for
Earthlings (ages 3 to 4,) Explorers (ages 5 to 6) Outdoor Playschools, and other programs as needed.

A CREC educator is:

• Committed to each student, individually, throughout their growth and development
• Adept in co-creating and delivering creative, engaging, interactive lesson plans
• Growing and constantly evaluating teaching methods
• Comfortable pushing beyond their comfort zones in education and nature
• Able to think outside the box
• Inspiring to their students
• Empathetic and caring
• Patient and kind
• Enthusiastic about learning
• Passionate and idealistic
• Qualified to teach early childhood education with the proper certificates and degrees

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

The Early Childhood Educator is responsible for the delivery of high-quality discovery-based curriculum and

experiences for children between the ages of 0 and 6 years old.

• Ensure the physical and emotional health, safety, and welfare of all participants.
• Create a welcoming family environment and effectively communicate with parents and caregivers about

their children specifically and the program in general.

• Implement developmentally appropriate programming in conjunction with other members of the early

• Helps design and thoughtfully implement weekly lesson plans that aligns with CREC’s nature and

• Assess and track the development of individual children, assessing needs, and planning based on those

• Help design and set up varied and seasonal outdoor learning spaces and environments.
• Plan for equipment and supply needs in collaborations with other staff.
• Participate in staff meetings and special events as appropriate to ensure connection with the rest of the

staff and the community

• Be an active member of the Connolly Ranch team which includes being a representative for the ranch

• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience in early childhood education and/or outdoor/nature education programs
• Ability to provide educational experiences with children that cultivate critical thinking, communication,

collaboration, creativity and to engage in, with, and for nature

• Effective time management – prepares in advance and ready to deliver curriculum
• Adaptability as conditions change ( number of students, weather and the like)
• Effective collaborator in team environments and commitment to contributing talents to achieving the

organizational mission

• Ability to receive and give constructive feedback

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 2 years experience working with young children in an educational or child development setting
• Working towards continuing education in the early childhood field
• Consistent transportation
• Able to pass a LiveScan check

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Ability to work in all weather elements
• Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time
• Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist and reach on a daily basis
• Able to perform general office administrative activities: copying, filing, and keeping electronic records
• Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds occasionally

NOTE: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The

requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required and is not intended to

be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with this job.

Benefits - Salary DOE. Benefits package for full time employees includes health & dental via Ag Health Benefits

Alliance and program discounts for your child’s enrollment.

Apply- via resume and cover letter email to info@connollyranch.org.