Lead Forest Preschool (Saplings) Teacher

Lead Forest Preschool (Saplings) Teacher Wild Beginnings Nature School Wheat Ridge, CO Job Details Part-time | Full-time From $20 an hour 18 hours ago Benefits Paid training Professional development assistance Paid sick time Qualifications Photography Biology Early childhood education center experience CPR Certification Doctoral degree Master's in Botany Elementary Education Outdoor work Educational Administration Classroom management Teaching Certification Early childhood education Elementary Education Teaching Certification Mid-level Environmental Science Associate's degree in early childhood education Environmental education Bachelor's degree in biology Master's degree Bachelor's degree in early childhood education Bachelor's degree in child development Bachelor's degree First Aid Certification Curriculum implementation Master's degree in environmental science Bachelor's degree in environmental science Psychology Ecology Lesson planning Master's degree in child development Pediatric first aid Associate's degree Classroom Teaching Collaborative teaching Bachelor's degree in forestry Bachelor's degree in elementary education Leadership Child Development Associate Certification Early Childhood Education Under 1 year Student assessment Full Job Description Overview Wild Beginnings Nature School is looking for a Lead Saplings Teacher to work with children ages 3-5 in a fully outdoor classroom. The Lead Saplings Teacher must be able to work four days a week Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm or 9am-3pm September 8, 2026- May 20, 2027. The Lead Saplings Teacher must also attend staff training in August. The class ratio is 1 teacher to 6 students with a limit of 12 students per class and 2 teachers. We are looking for someone who has the ability to independently problem-solve, schedule daily activities, model good communication and to communicate and work effectively with professional staff and parents. Leadership and organizational skills are a must. The ability to communicate clearly and efficiently to the Forest Preschool Coordinator is imperative. Willing to invest in, and work with, a new and upcoming school with long term success in mind. We believe that children learn best through direct experience with the natural world. Our goal is to tap into their senses of wonder about nature, while teaching basic environmental principles and following the children's interest. We promote respect for all living beings, that children learn best through play, and we promote how to minimize our impact on the earth. Our lessons flow organically from what nature presents each day. We are a nature school where we spend all day outside in all types of weather including rain, snow, high winds, sunshine and cold weather (20F). •Summer employment available June-August.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be over the age of 18. Be able and willing to pass a background check. Must meet one of the following requirements: 1. Qualifications for an early child teacher listed below; and nine (9) hours of verified specialized outdoor education, certification, or training; i. A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in one (1) of the following areas: (1) Child Development; (2) Child Psychology; (3) Early Childhood Education; (4) Early Childhood Special Education; (5) Educational Leadership and Administration; (6) Elementary Education; (7) Family and Human Development; (8) Family Studies; or (9) Special Education; a. .A Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in any area other than those listed at rule section 2.216(A)(1)(a), and an additional two (2) three (3)-semester credit hour courses in early child education, with one (1) course in either: (1) Introduction to Early Childhood Education; or (2) Guidance Strategies for Young Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; f. An Associate's degree (60 semester credit hours) from an accredited college or university in early childhood education or child development, which must include at least two (2), three (3)- semester credit hour courses, with one (1) course in either: (1) Introduction to Early Childhood Education; or (2) Guidance Strategies for Young Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; g. A current professional teaching license issued by the Colorado Department of Education with an endorsement in the area of Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or Early Childhood Special Education Specialist; h. A current early childhood professional credential level II or higher in PDIS version 3.0 as determined by the Department; i. A current certification as a child development associate (CDA) in: center-based, preschool; center-based, infant-toddler; family child care; or other Department-approved credential; j. Completion of a course of training approved by the Department and published on the Department's approval list; and nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual; k. Three (3) months (455 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual; and the completion of eighteen (18) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, with one (1) course in

Either:

(1) Introduction to Early Childhood Education; or (2) Guidance Strategies for Young Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model Training certificate of completion; l. Twenty-one (21) months (3,185 hours) of verified experience in the care and supervision of four (4) or more children less than eight (8) years of age who are not related to the individual. In addition, the individual must either: (1) Possess a current early childhood professional credential level I or higher in PDIS version 3.0 as determined by the Department; or (2) Complete two (2) three (3) semester credit hour courses from an accredited college or university in early childhood education with one (1) course as either: (a) Introduction to Early Childhood Education; or (b) Guidance Strategies for Young Children or has been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate of completion. b. An early childhood teacher of an ONB may also qualify with two (2), three (3)-semester credit hour courses with one (1) course either in (a) Introduction to Early Childhood Education, or (b) Guidance Strategies for Young Children, or they have been issued a Colorado Pyramid Model training certificate; and a Bachelor's Master's, or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with a major area of study in one of the following areas: (1) Recreation; (2) Outdoor Education; (3) Environmental Science; (4) Forestry; (5) Botany, Zoology, Ecology, Biology; (6) Ecological Teaching and Learning; (7) Humane Education; (8) Sustainability Education; (9) Regenerative Learning Ecology; or c. Completion of specialized training as a Forest School Practitioner Level II or equivalent; and (1) Nine (9) credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood education that must include Introduction to

Early Childhood Professions:

and Introduction to Early Childhood Techniques and Guidance Strategies; or (2) A current early childhood professional credential level II or higher in PDIS version 3.0 as determined by the Department. •All course grades used for the early childhood teacher requirements must be a "C" or better.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with early childhood development and Waldorf practices. Ability to lift children up to 40 pounds. Ability to stand, bend and stoop for prolonged periods of time, and hike on varying terrains. Experience in, and knowledge of, outdoor education, outdoor safety practices and requirements for staying warm during the cold months including shelter building or other outdoor skills

JOB DUTIES

Review curriculum and songs to prepare to teach each lesson. Teach our nature-based curriculum under the direction of Preschool Coordinator/Director. Help to plan and carry out daily programs in an inviting and safe manner including helping children stay comfortable in inclement weather conditions and managing risk in outdoor classroom. Ability to sing songs, use puppets as a teaching tool, and talent in storytelling. Assess weather and communicate with fellow teachers, parents, and directors about weather conditions and safety plan. Pick up materials from sheds and store in personal vehicle to transport back and forth before and after classes. Setup and tear down outdoor classrooms each day including shelter building when necessary. Ensure a regular headcount of students (every 5 minutes or when changing an activity. Whichever is shorter). Administer any first aid and fill out incident reports. Take photos daily and upload photos to the program album and marketing album. Send weekly follow-up email to families to recap the week. Conduct and follow benefit-risk assessments for all hazards and risks. Conduct assessment methods including observation, documentation, and portfolio of students including the physical, emotional, and social health of the students. Effectively communicate with families in person, through email and Whatsapp. Effectively communicate to the director in person, through email, and Whatsapp. Represent the school philosophy and core values. Maintains a professional attitude and work behavior. Intermittent trips to the store for specialty supplies or to replenish supplies. Work together with fellow Saplings teachers and directors to create and problem solve with lesson planning and classroom management.

REQUIREMENTS

Complete the Leave No Trace 101 Course. Must have a valid CPR/First-Aid certification for adults/children/infants or must complete CPR/First-Aid training (paid for by Wild Beginnings) before September 8, 2026. Attends training opportunities and monthly staff meetings as provided and scheduled. Must observe all rules and regulations of the school and local, state, or national regulatory agencies pertaining to the health, safety, and care of children. Comply and uphold licensing requirements in our outdoor nature classroom.

BENEFITS

Bring your child to work with you (must be program age).

Paid sick time Report to:

Director Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Professional development assistance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Early childhood education: 3 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person