Lead Music and Movement/Nature Exploration teacher works closely with children to facilitate outdoor classes to offer opportunities for children to explore identity and enrichment in the context of nature and the larger community, while cultivating kindness, empathy, compassion, and gratitude. Teachers will model best practices and approaches to nature-based early childhood education

Tasks include thoughtful curriculum design based on children's emergent interests, on-going reflection about and assessment of children and the forest school program, and collaboration with other teachers and/or volunteers. Lead teachers set the tone for learning as engaged, enthusiastic role models of nature-based education while maintaining a safe, positive atmosphere.

This position requires a blend of qualifications that span having in depth knowledge regarding early childhood education as well as nature-based teaching methods. Teachers should possess curiosity, if not deep understanding, of the local community and ecosystem with a commitment to helping young children develop their ecological identities through play and inquiry.

• Responsible for planning and facilitating immersive outdoor experiences for young children
• Follow and update the AEA nature-inspired curriculum, based on children's and seasonal interests.
• Maintaining a safe, loving environment with safety routines that protect yet empower children
• Nurture individualized needs of children while managing whole group experiences and unstructured play in the outdoor learning environment
• Daily set-up/break-down of outdoor classroom (mud kitchen, tables and sensory bins etc.).
• Manage materials and equipment; request/order new materials as needed.
• Participate in authentic child assessment, self-evaluation, and program evaluation.
• Other duties that support families, children, and staff will also be assigned as needed.

Collaborative duties:

• Document learning processes in many formats for children's portfolios (written documentation, online assessment platform, photos, content for blog/FB posts, Instagram, etc.).
• Provide positive guidance to children in navigating their social interactions with peers and adults.
• Participate in staff meetings and on-going professional development.
• Implement community events (such as open houses) for prospective families and stakeholders.
• Participate in various community-building initiatives with staff and local partners

Must be able to commute to our three preschools:

20 Tavernier Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081

101 Cherry Elm Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32092

50 Bee Balm Ln, St Johns, FL 32259