A Preschool or Childcare Teacher works with young children, usually ages 3 - 5, to help them learn the social, motor and language skills needed to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school. Organizes activities and uses play or games to help children learn; develops schedules and routines for children that include exercise and rest. Works in a school or in a childcare center or program.
Nature Preschool Educator Thorne Nature Experience - 4.0 Lafayette, CO Job Details Temporary | Part-time | Full-time $22.20 - $26.86 an hour 1 day ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Employee discount Flexible schedule Life insurance Qualifications CPR Certification Outdoor work experience Company vehicle operation First Aid Certification Adaptability Early Childhood Education First aid and
CPR Full Job Description Job Purpose:
Thorne's Nature Preschool isn't your typical preschool. We learn our letters in the dirt. We notice the seasons by watching birds build nests and puddles freeze. We count rocks, tell stories under cottonwoods, and let curiosity lead the way. Our "walls" are our natural boundaries; our "classroom" is the nature around us; and our curriculum is joyfully rooted in relationships, wonder, and connection to the land. Preschool Educators at Thorne support the holistic development of young children and their relationship to the natural world through a program that provides joyful, hands-on, place-based, developmentally appropriate experiences that nurture the whole child and foster an emotional connection to nature. Our new Nature Preschool Educator will be… Passionate about outdoor experiences, early childhood education, and connecting young children to nature. Excited to support nature-based, child-centered, emergent curriculum. Flexible, adaptable, and responsive to the changing needs of a nature-based preschool program. Calm and steady when responding to risk-management issues, emergencies, or difficult situations. Comfortable spending full days outdoors in sun, rain, wind, snow, cold temperatures, and hot sunny days. A strong communicator with families, children, and staff. Curious about Colorado ecology and eager to keep learning alongside children. Organized, patient, professional, and able to hold many tasks and relationships with care.
Minimum Qualifications:
Early Childhood Teacher qualified or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level 2 or higher through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Current or willingness to obtain CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, and Medication Administration certification; Thorne will pay for the time needed to complete and the cost of these certifications. Willingness to complete all trainings and submit all information and forms needed for Thorne to comply with Colorado Department of Human Services child care licensing requirements, including background check and fingerprinting.
Special Requirements:
Comfortable working full days outdoors and able to take care of self in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, cold temperatures, and hot sunny days. Willingness and ability to drive to programs at various locations (using Thorne vehicle). Ability to have a flexible schedule including occasional weekend and evening programs.
FOR FULL JOB POSTING, PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE. WWW.THORNENATURE.ORG
Application Deadline:
August 16, 2026. Applications will be reviewed as they come in.
Start Date:
August 2026
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to and include the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line. Please visit our website, www.thornenature.org, for more information about our organization.
Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time, Temporary Pay:
$22.20 - $26.86 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off
