Outdoor Educator
Parks Plus Creation Forest Preschool Seeks a Substitute/Floating Outdoor Educator
Position Schedule: Hours fluctuate depending on the availability of the candidate and the needs of the program on an “as-needed” basis. Applications are accepted year-round.
Parks Plus Creation is woven with the strengths of diverse experiences from dedicated individuals who ensure children access an exploratory educational experience to cultivate a relationship that honors nature, its resources, and stewardship.
Parks Plus Creation values diversity: cultures, communities, and life experiences. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people with different abilities, neurodiverse populations, LGBTQ2S+, work eligible, and other individuals from marginalized populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Parks Plus Creation does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, religion, race, color, veteran status, or disability, and is an equal opportunity employer. In support and accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), we are committed to providing accessibility including reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process, in interviews, upon hiring, and throughout employment. To request accommodations, contact our Operations Director, Angela at ------------.
Program Description
Parks Plus Creation offers all-weather, outdoor, nature connection programs for children and families in San Francisco. Children are provided ample time and space to play and become immersed in nature, as they build their own unique connection to the land and its creatures. Under the canopy of Parks Plus Creation, there are several branches or program offerings including our forest school program Spire School which provides a space for children to explore nature with peers in three groups divided by age: Younger Group (ages 2-3), Older Group (ages 3-4), and TK Group (ages 4-5).
Educators model care and connection using intentional practices to guide holistic development, and encourage children’s innate curiosity and wonder. A typical day will include stories and songs, hiking adventures, discoveries, and building friendships, while we share our abundant gratitude for nature. Explore our adventures on our website at ------------.
What You’ll Do
You’ll work side by side with fellow Spire School educators to facilitate an emergent curriculum, based on the interest of the children between the ages of 2-6 years old. You will have the opportunity to work with all age groups and will move between groups where support is needed. You’ll guide the children to strengthen their land stewardship, their conflict resolution skills, and cultivate a sense of community using nurturing care, and intentional language that focuses on social and emotional development.
What this looks like:
Storytelling & Curriculum Facilitation
-Facilitate activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, such as games, open-ended art projects, music, storytelling, and nature observations.
-Steward an interactive relationship with nature as a guide for children’s learning and imaginative play while cultivating a relationship that honors the land and its resources.
-Support children's innate creativity by asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging the opportunity to explore and wonder
Collaboration
-Arrive to work prepared for the day, with time to check in with your teaching team about the day’s schedule and activities.
-Conduct daily site checks to ensure a safe, hazard-free, environment; support children to follow established play boundaries, support problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
-Support intentional, caring separation from a child's care provider(s) during the drop-off time, welcome children into the learning space, and help place their backpacks in the designated location
-Assist in bathroom needs of children when necessary
Communication
-Document the day’s learning and discoveries; share observations and reflections with your teaching team, parent/guardians
-Exchange ideas, questions, and innovations with fellow educators and program
What You’ll Need
-To enjoy spending time outdoors in all weather conditions,
-To feel comfortable in a fully outdoor setting
-Experience with children ages 1-6 years old which could include any combination of ECE/Child Development credits, learning, and/or lived experiences
-Creative problem-solving and observation skills
-Experience cultivating relationships/interpersonal skills with children and adults
-Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (primary series of shots plus at least one booster),
-Willing to complete Adult, Pediatric CPR, First Aid, AED Training course*
-Willing to complete Live Scan, and background check clearance*
*Parks Plus Creation will help you obtain and reimburse for courses, certificates, required background checks, etc.
Compensation
$23-$25/hour; benefits include: paid sick/personal days, and the opportunity to be part of a movement connecting children to nature, and to grow with our unique forest school program!
Please send a cover letter, resumé, or any other supporting documents/videos/certificates to share your story as an educator to: ------------