Boston Outdoor Preschool Network
Part Time Lead Toddler Teacher
School Year 2023 – 2024
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a growing organization that offers its teachers salaried part time employment, a breathtakingly beautiful work environment, with professional development and leadership opportunities.
About Boston Outdoor Preschool Network BOPN:
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is an impactful community that connects children, families, and teachers to nature and one another. Our nontraditional school environment offers teachers a respite from the noise and chaos of the traditional classroom and an opportunity to rediscover the joy of working with young people. A hallmark of BOPN’s programs is the happiness that our teachers and tots bring to the Arboretum each day.
A Day in the Life as a Lead Toddler Teacher:
At BOPN, we believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them. The Arnold Arboretum continually surprises and provides the perfect environment for BOPN learners. As a Toddler Teacher you will engage with toddlers with mud oozing through fingers, paint brushes dipped in their earthen pallet, faces joyful as they experiment with the vacuum pull of the soil on muddy boots. The children under your care will develop skills across multiple educational domains through hands-on play in nature. The pleasure of the learning experience, the sense of belonging to the world around them, the peace of the compelling and compassionate connection with nature will fill their hearts and yours as you adventure together!
Lead Toddler Teacher Position:
We are seeking an experienced, versatile toddler teacher to adventure with us in one of the most scenic areas of Boston. This is the right fit for someone who is young at heart and trusts in play to form toddlers’ minds, hearts, and bodies.
Position Description:
- Schedule: Monday - Friday
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: 100% outdoors at the Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain.
- Calendar: January through June, with breaks and holidays aligned with public schools. We also offer a separate summer program in July and August.
- Compensation: Salaried position at a rate equivalent to $24 - $27/hour, with paid time off for breaks and holidays
Position Responsibilities:
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Use a nature-based and child-centered approach. Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building strong relationships with parents and children.
- Parent Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with parents regarding their child's development and experiences in the program. Participate in parent-teacher conferences and events.
- Team Collaboration: Engage in collaborative planning sessions with your colleagues. Learn the strengths of your co-teachers and create a classroom environment that best utilizes these skill sets.
- Documentation: Use photos and stories as a tool for communication, reflection, and new learning. Monitor each child’s development and progress.
- Professional Development: Meet with a coach and your supervisor. Attend occasional staff meetings, professional development, and special events.
- Safety: Be responsible for the health and safety of each child. This includes helping children stay comfortable in rainy and hot weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing conflict.
- Leadership: Supervise high school youth workers and college interns.
These essential functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties as required.
Position Requirements:
- Experience in early childhood education, nature education, or a related field
- Willingness to acquire EEC assistant licensure prior to employment
- Strong classroom management skills and ability to maintain a safe learning environment
- Communicate easily with children, family, and colleagues
- Critical thinker who is able to problem solve
- Adaptable, proactive and willing to take initiative
- Passion for environmental education and anti-bias education
- Delights in the wonders of nature
- Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes
- Humble and knowledgeable of one’s own limitations
- Eagerness to learn and continually improve
How to Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Additional Information:
- Successful reference and background checks are required.
- Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.
- Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.