Preschool Teacher-Outdoor Education

General Function

We are looking for a qualified candidate to join our team at the Norton Outdoor Center. This position has a role as a nature preschool teacher during the school year and then transitions to a summer camp director during the summer months. An ideal candidate would be an EEC qualified lead teacher and a nature enthusiast. Must enjoy being outside and be willing to be outdoors in many types of weather. Duties during the school year will include collaborating to develop and implement a nature based, child led curriculum for a classroom ages 3-5. During the summer months, the role as camp director will be part of the Camp Finberg leadership team and will be overseeing counselors and daily activities

Essential Duties

• Maintaining a safe environment for all children year round
• Collaborating to develop nature preschool curriculum
• Collaborating to Assess children in Nature Preschool
• Creating a fun and engaging outdoor learning environment
• Engages in positive rapport and open communication with staff, campers/preschoolers, and parents/guardians.
• Is attentive to the feelings and emotions of children and responds or intervenes appropriately.
• Monitors interactions between children to ensure healthy dialogue and offers guidance on conflict resolution as needed.
• Attends all mandatory YMCA staff meetings, team meetings and staff trainings.
• Abides by all camp and YMCA policies & procedures.
• Actively promotes camp and the Attleboro YMCA.
• Assists with other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Excellent organization skills

• MA EEC Lead Teacher certification or willing to attain.
• Interest and/or experience in nature-based, emergent, and anti-bias teaching in Early Childhood Education.  
• Interest in the natural world and a willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather. 
• Experience teaching young children. 
• Demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.
• Effective and strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to attain. 

• Instructor-level certification preferred.
• Appropriate ropes/archery course certification or willing to obtain certification.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Outdoor Settings: Much of your work will take place outdoors, in natural environments such as forests, parks, or gardens.
• Varied Weather Conditions: You'll need to be prepared to work in different weather conditions, from sunny days to rain or snow.
• Natural Elements: You'll be surrounded by nature, which can include uneven terrain, plants, wildlife, and various natural materials.
• Flexible Spaces: Your classroom may not have traditional walls or desks. Instead, you might utilize outdoor shelters, tents, or open-air spaces.
• Outdoor Mobility: You'll need to be able to navigate outdoor environments, which may involve walking, hiking, or climbing over natural obstacles.
• Lifting and Carrying: Setting up outdoor learning materials, equipment, or supplies may require lifting and carrying items such as logs, rocks, or educational materials.
• Weather Resilience: Enduring exposure to various weather conditions, such as sun, rain, wind, or cold temperatures, while ensuring the safety and comfort of children.
• Active Engagement: Participating in outdoor activities alongside children, which might include gardening, nature walks, sensory exploration, or creative play.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks including setting up & breaking down equipment and picking up a child.
• Ability to communicate verbally, including projecting voice across distance in normal and loud situations.
• Ability to stay calm in stressful and emergency situations