Lead Preschool Teacher – Cairn Hill Nature Preschool

Lead Preschool Teacher - Cairn Hill Nature Preschool

Camp Fire North Shore

Camp Fire North Shore is dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging, and enriching environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. At Cairn Hill Nature Preschool, we combine Waldorf-inspired early childhood education with immersive, nature-based learning to support the development of the whole child-head, heart, and hands.

Position Overview

Cairn Hill Nature Preschool is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to guide a classroom rooted in exploration, creativity, and meaningful connection. This role is essential in creating a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment aligned with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) standards.

CompensationSchedule

Salary: $50,000 - $52,0000 annually (exempt, full-time position)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Full-time, year-round position aligned with program needs

Benefits

Three (3) weeks of vacation

Ten (10) sick days and two (2) personal days

Thirteen (13) paid holidays plus one week closure between Christmas and New Year's

Health and dental insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution

Ongoing professional development opportunities

Key Responsibilities

CurriculumInstruction

Implement curriculum aligned with EEC guidelines and Massachusetts early learning standards

Develop weekly and daily lesson plans inspired by seasonal changes and child-led exploration

Facilitate a balance of structured and unstructured learning including storytelling, art, music, and early STEM

Child DevelopmentSupport

Build strong relationships with children and families, honoring individual developmental needs

Conduct observations and maintain documentation of children's growth and progress

Support social-emotional learning, independence, and positive peer interactions

Health, SafetyCompliance

Maintain active supervision at all times in accordance with EEC regulations

Ensure compliance with child-to-staff ratios and licensing requirements

Maintain safe, clean, and organized indoor and outdoor environments

Nature-Based Learning

Lead daily outdoor exploration in all weather conditions

Encourage curiosity, risk-taking, and respect for the natural environment

Supervise children safely on trails and outdoor play areas

FamilyCommunity Engagement

Maintain open communication with families through conversations and updates

Foster an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment

Participate in events, open houses, and community engagement efforts

Professional GrowthCollaboration

Collaborate with leadership and team members to support program success

Participate in trainings, meetings, and performance evaluations

Maintain required certifications and stay current with best practices

Who You Are

Passionate about early childhood education and supporting the whole child

Nurturing, patient, and creates a welcoming environment

Creative and adaptable in lesson planning

Values nature-based learning and outdoor time

Strong communicator with families and team

Collaborative, dependable, and proactive

Committed to inclusion and equity

Maintains a safe and organized classroom

Dedicated to professional growth

Qualifications

Meets EEC requirements for Lead Preschool Teacher

CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)

Strong communication and organizational skills

Experience in early childhood education required

Preferred: EEC Lead Teacher Certification (Toddler and/or Preschool)

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Camp Fire North Shore is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and respected. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.

Why Join Us?

At Cairn Hill Nature Preschool, you will be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity, connection, and the power of nature in early childhood education. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive, collaborative, and purpose-driven environment.