Nature Preschool Teacher
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onClark Softball Field, Clark Recreation Drive, Centre Mills, Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, 02766, United States
The Nature Preschool Lead Teacher serves as the primary architect of a unique educational experience at our Norton Outdoor Center. This position is dedicated to bringing the classroom to the forest, designing developmentally appropriate, multi-sensory, and nature-based curricula that foster hands-on learning. As the lead teacher, you will be the vital link between the school and families, guiding children through a journey of discovery while managing progress reports and parent-teacher conferences.
This role exists to cultivate a deep connection between young children and the natural world. It requires a genuine passion for early childhood education and a strong desire to inspire curiosity through the outdoors. You will not just teach; you will model the YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, creating a positive work environment filled with enthusiasm and cooperation.
Expect a dynamic, non-traditional classroom where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors blur. Your workspace will be the natural world itself—forests, parks, and gardens—featuring uneven terrain, wildlife, and natural materials. You will utilize flexible spaces like outdoor shelters and tents rather than traditional desks and walls.
This position demands resilience and adaptability. You will be active alongside children, participating in gardening, nature walks, and sensory exploration regardless of the weather. From sunny days to rain and snow, you will navigate varied conditions, ensuring the safety and comfort of the children while engaging in activities that may require lifting logs or climbing natural obstacles.
Candidates must be prepared to undergo multiple background record checks, including CORI, SORI, DCF, and fingerprinting. Successful applicants will be expected to maintain current certifications, including MA EEC Lead Teacher certification, CPR, and First Aid, and to comply with all professional development requirements annually.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child and family feels welcome. The YMCA values diversity and strives to create a community that reflects the people it serves. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences, particularly those with an interest in anti-bias teaching and emergent learning approaches.
Work model: On-site
Clark Softball Field, Clark Recreation Drive, Centre Mills, Norton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, 02766, United States
Norton, Massachusetts
Nature-Based Teacher Certification
