Nature-Based Preschool Teacher

NATURE-BASED PRESCHOOL TEACHER

Start Date: August 24, 2026

Company Description

Sacred Roots Early Learning is an emerging nature-based micro-preschool nestled on one-third of an acre in Colorado Springs, CO. We serve children ages 2.5 to 5, with a maximum class size of 12 and a 1:6 teacher-to-child ratio. At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: children thrive when they are connected to the natural world, to their community, and to themselves. Emotional literacy lives at the center of that connection, and our immersive, month-long studies are built around each one. Days are primarily spent outdoors and in the broader community, where curiosity is sparked, resilience is built, and a deep sense of belonging takes root.

Our model moves fluidly between two environments:

• On-site, we build shared knowledge, routines, and skills through a carefully designed curriculum informed by research, children's interests, and our monthly area of study, intentionally preparing children for what comes next.
• Off-site, children take that preparation into community and natural settings, applying what they've learned, practicing flexibility and problem-solving, and deepening their understanding through direct engagement with the world around them.

Our curriculum is integrative and responsive. We draw from several frameworks in response to children's interests and the monthly study, and teachers have the opportunity to design original month-long studies, bringing their own expertise and curiosity into the classroom while drawing from a rich library of available curricula, including How Wee Learn, Wonder Garden, Blossom and Root, The Creative Curriculum, Slumberkins, Treehouse, and more.

We are deeply committed to a non-toxic environment. Every material and product in our space is intentionally sourced to support clean air, calm bodies, and healthy minds. At Sacred Roots, we honor early childhood as a sacred time, approaching each child's growth with intention, care, and deep respect for their unique unfolding.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Nature-Based Preschool Teacher role located in Colorado Springs, CO. You will co-create and implement nature-based, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that integrate play, exploration, and emergent curriculum outdoors on-site and off-site in the broader community.

What You'll Do

• Co-create and co-facilitate an emergent, study-based curriculum grounded in children's interests and developmental needs, including collaborating with your co-lead each quarter to plan immersive month-long studies and prepare learning materials
• Build warm, trusting relationships with children and their families, communicating regularly to keep families connected to their child's growth
• Spend the majority of your day outdoors in all seasons (we go out in rain and cold; we stay in during thunderstorms, temps above 92-94°F, or windchills below 22°F)
• Guide children in social-emotional learning and integrate literacy, cognitive development, and physical growth through intentional, nature-connected experiences
• Observe and document children's development to inform curriculum and align with the school's philosophy and values
• Extend learning through community field trips and real-world experiences (e.g. nature-walks, local parks, community gardens, library visits, neighborhood landmarks, etc.)
• Maintain a safe, responsive, and non-toxic learning environment
• Stay current with required PDIS trainings

Compensation, Health Benefits, and Paid Time Off

We believe teachers do their best work when they're rested and supported. Here's what we offer:

• Full-time salaried position: $44,000 base pay $6,000 healthcare contribution = $50,000 total.
• Annual raises to match inflation and performance bonuses tied to enrollment growth. Our goal is to reach 8 children ADA within year one, at which point base pay increases to $60,000 $6,000 healthcare contribution = $66,000 total.
• Scheduled Paid Breaks (8 weeks total): Fully paid time off aligned with our preschool calendar, including winter, spring, and summer breaks.
• Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA) Sick Leave: In addition to scheduled breaks, employees accrue 1 hour of flexible, paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours (6 days) per year. This time is available for unexpected illnesses, mental health days, or medical appointments for you or your family.

Schedule

This position follows an alternating weekly schedule:

• Week 1: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00 am–2:30 pm | Tue/Thu 8:00 am–5:00 pm
• Week 2: Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00 am–5:00 pm | Tue/Thu 8:00 am–2:30 pm

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field
• At least 1 year of lead teaching experience with children ages 2.5–5
• Proven ability to assess student progress and adjust lesson plans accordingly
• Familiarity with multiple pedagogical approaches and how to apply them in the classroom
• Must pass a background check and complete PDIS trainings (includes CPR/First Aid certification)
• Strong communication skills for partnering with families, collaborating with your co-lead, and supporting children's social-emotional growth
• A true collaborator who takes equal ownership of the classroom, curriculum, and culture

To Apply

Send a resume, a cover letter sharing your teaching philosophy, and 2–3 professional references. We'd especially love to hear what draws you to nature-based early childhood education and what co-leadership means to you.

Sacred Roots is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.