Wonderforest Nature Preschool is a Brooklyn-based preschool program for children ages 2-5. As the sister program to our Brooklyn Nature Days’ nature immersion classes in Prospect Park, Wonderforest offers a nature-based education in an urban setting, while also meeting the needs of families who need full day care, with early drop-off and extended day options. We aim to develop our students’ empathy and respect for self, others, and our environment through immersion in nature and by exhibiting peaceful, community, and consent-driven conflict resolution to our students, guiding each child to grow a strong foundation of learning and inquiry through supported social and emotional growth. Our curriculum is inquiry-based and child-led, drawing heavily upon each child's interests. Teachers act as guides and researchers of the children’s ideas; supporting each child and encouraging them to take their ideas further with intuitive questioning, experimenting, and exploring. Drawing from the Reggio Emilia and forest school philosophies, Wonderforest emphasizes the learning process, not the end product. We celebrate the value of child engagement in a specific project or activity, not just what they may create. We encourage exploration with found and recycled materials, open-ended toys, and loose parts. We understand that all children are unique and have differing needs. For this reason, our teachers are trained to approach each child with knowledge and respect for their individuality. At Wonderforest, we know that children who are encouraged at a young age to explore, question, and create, inherently develop the emergent math, science, and literacy skills they need for success later in life.

Wonderforest Nature Preschool is currently hiring Lead Teachers for the upcoming 2024/25 school year (starting September 2024). Interested candidates must have experience working in a progressive preschool setting and value child-led, play-based learning, as well as social and emotional development, and age-appropriate social justice initiatives. Ideal candidates must have a love for nature and an eagerness for outdoor exploration, year-round and in all weather conditions. We are an equal opportunity employer and we strongly encourage applications from Black and Indigenous people, People of Color, and LBGTQ+ people.

An ideal candidate should:

• Have a love & interest in nature
• Be comfortable and prepared to work outside in all kinds of weather
• Be comfortable with physical work including carrying children and pulling heavy wagons
• Have a love and respect for & experience working with young children & their families
• Be knowledgeable and confident facilitating child-led, play-based learning
• Have strong group management skills
• Have strong interpersonal skills and be comfortable engaging with families and fellow teachers
• Have experience mentoring fellow teachers and interns
• Be responsible, self-motivated, adaptable, and punctual
• Be available full-time, Monday-Friday
• Commit to the full year September 3, 2024 - June 13, 2025 (week long vacations in December, February, and April are included)
• Have or be willing to obtain valid CPR/First Aid certification

Job Description:

• Guide and care for a group of preschool age children, leading them throughout the day with respect, compassion and clarity. Keep kids safe, while setting boundaries & supporting their physical, social, and emotional growth
• Create curriculum based on the interest of the children, inspired by Reggio-Emilia, as well as daily nature immersion in local parks and green spaces. Loose parts, natural materials, and recycled materials will be encouraged for the children to play and create with
• Work collaboratively within a teaching team, mentoring assistant teachers and interns
• Communicate regularly with fellow staff, directors, and families of each child, as well as complete documentation as needed via Slack, brightwheel, and email
• Attend regular staff meetings, trainings, and parent/guardian meetings as needed
• Come prepared to lead outdoor explorations in all weather, and ensure classroom, supplies, and outdoor gear is clean, cared for, and ready for each day

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate: Brooklyn, NY 11217: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person