Outdoor Preschool Teacher - ASCG

Leroy Springs & Company INC•Fort Mill, SC

20d

About The Position

The Outdoor Preschool Teacher educates pre-elementary-age children in kindergarten-readiness skills through age-appropriate, interactive, hands-on activities in a nature-based learning environment. The program operates weekday mornings from September through May. The teacher engages children in play, exploration, and inquiry while providing quality care and enrichment that supports social skills, physical activity, and learning in a fun and safe environment. The role requires a love for the outdoors and comfort working in all weather conditions. The teacher delivers developmentally appropriate, nature-based preschool instruction guided by the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence, with a focus on project-based and inquiry-based learning. Working with program directors, the teacher develops lessons and uses appropriate resources to promote kindergarten readiness and environmental stewardship through open-ended play. Daily activities include outdoor explorations, nature walks, and play in forest, field, and garden settings. This position supports children’s emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs, promotes awareness of and respect for living things, and helps maintain a safe environment indoors, outdoors, and beyond. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Love for the outdoors and nature, and comfort being outdoors in all types of weather.
Understanding of Forest School principles and deep respect for child-centered education and the natural world.
Strong decision-making, organizational, versatility, initiative, and human-relations skills.
Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks.
Above-average interpersonal skills and strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to work with a wide variety of people and circumstances.
Degree in Early Childhood Education, Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications; training will be provided.
Child Abuse prevention training; training will be provided.

Nice To Haves

Background in environmental science or forest schools; familiarity with alternative education models such as Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, or Montessori.
Experience working in nature-based instruction, outdoor education, or a similar field.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Engage children in academic, recreational, and enrichment activities to achieve curriculum objectives.
Teach developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool lessons guided by the NAAEE Early Childhood Environmental Education Programs: Guidelines for Excellence, with a focus on project-based and inquiry-based learning.
Work with program director(s) to create developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool lessons focused on project-based and inquiry-based learning.
Use appropriate curriculum resources to promote kindergarten readiness and environmental stewardship in an outdoor learning environment centered on open-ended play.
Lead daily outdoor explorations, nature walks, and play in forest, field, and garden settings.
Promote environmental awareness and respect for living things through hands-on learning.
Address participants’ emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs.
Identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to supervisors and fellow Preschool Teachers based on assessments, current research, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Provide a safe environment for children indoors, outdoors, and beyond.
Perform other duties as assigned.