Lead Instructor

ARROWHEAD FARM - ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Lead Instructor — Job Description

Position Type: Part-Time | Independent Contractor (1099)

Schedule: 2-4 days per week, 4–6 hours per day; ramping up overtime as program fills enrollment space

Grade Focus: Kindergarten (program grows with children through elementary grades)

Reports To: Executive Director

Languages: Bilingual preferred (English Spanish)

ABOUT OUR ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

We are a small, nature-inspired enrichment day camp rooted in child-led exploration, outdoor learning, and whole-child development. Our program is structured similar to a homeschool pod, with an intimate, flexible enrichment environment where children and instructors grow alongside one another in a close-knit, nurturing community. We bring in specialized tutors to help teach, inspire, and spark curiosity across a range of subjects and experiences. We believe that customized, child-led learning is how children thrive best, and that when a child's natural curiosity is honored, extraordinary things happen.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lead Instructor is the heart of the classroom. A warm, creative, and credentialed educator who brings our child-led philosophy to life each day. Working closely with the Executive Director, this individual plans and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate learning activities for kindergarten-aged children in an intimate pod setting. Because our program is designed to grow with our students through the elementary years, we are looking for an instructor who is excited about building long-term relationships with children and families and who is comfortable expanding across age levels over time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction & Curriculum-based Activities

• Deliver daily, child-led activities grounded in nature-based and inquiry-based learning for kindergarten-aged children
• Plan engaging, hands-on activities that integrate literacy, math, science, art, and outdoor exploration
• Adapt curriculum to meet the individual learning styles, pace, and interests of each child
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to align daily lessons with the broader Enrichment Program calendar and curriculum framework
• Work alongside visiting specialized tutors to create a cohesive, enriching learning experience

Child Development & Relationship Building

• Cultivate a safe, joyful, and inclusive environment where every child feels seen and valued
• Observe and document each child's developmental progress, interests, and learning milestones
• Use observations to guide and personalize instruction in real time
• Build consistent, trusting relationships with children that support long-term growth as the program evolves through the years and with children’s ages

Family Communication & Community

• Maintain open, warm, and regular communication with parents regarding their child's daily experience and progress
• Participate in parent check-ins, progress updates, and Enrichment Program community events

Health, Safety & Classroom Environment

• Maintain a safe, organized, and inviting indoor and outdoor learning environment
• Follow all Enrichment Program safety protocols and report any concerns promptly to the Executive Director
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification at all times (required)
• Supervise children attentively during all activities, transitions, and outdoor time
• Help clean and reset the environment at the end of each day, ensuring spaces are tidy, organized, and ready for the next day

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director to support program goals and program consistency
• Participate in planning meetings, curriculum discussions, and program events
• Embrace feedback and professional growth as part of a collaborative, evolving program

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required:

• Valid California Teaching Credential (Multiple Subject or Early Childhood Education preferred)
• Minimum 2 years of classroom teaching experience, with a focus on kindergarten or elementary
• Current CPR & First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain before start date)
• Strong understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
• Genuine passion for child-led, nature-based, and inquiry-driven learning
• Ability to work independently as a 1099 contractor and manage own professional obligations
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children, families, and colleagues

Preferred:

• Experience teaching elementary grades (1st–3rd), as our program grows with our students
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal)
• Background in home schooling, homeschooling pods, micro school, or alternative education environments
• Familiarity with Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or outdoor education philosophies
• Experience differentiating instruction across mixed ages or ability levels
• Knowledge of child development frameworks (e.g., Ages & Stages, Desired Results)

STAFF TUITION BENEFIT

We value our team and want to make it easy for staff with children to be part of our community. Eligible instructors will receive:

• Full tuition waiver for their first child enrolled in the program
• Discounted tuition for any additional children enrolled (discount rate to be discussed at offer)

This benefit is active for the duration of employment and is subject to program enrollment availability.

COMPENSATION

This is a part-time independent contractor (1099) position. Compensation is $30–$36 per hour, based on experience. As a 1099 contractor, the Lead Instructor is responsible for their own tax obligations.

Pay: $30.00 - $36.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30 - $36