Preschool Teacher - Forest School

Nature- Based Preschool Teacher About Us Fox Hollow Forest School is a joyful, full-time, year round, nature based preschool located in Chittenden, Vermont. This fall, we are opening an exciting new location in the heart of Rutland City. Our students are outside for most of the day exploring the trails, streams and forest; learning happens under every rock and down every path. Our Teachers take the vision of a joyful nature-based preschool program and bring it to reality each day. They do this by designing and implementing a curriculum that is faithful to the forest school philosophy, conforms to the Vermont Early Learning Standards, and takes student needs and interests into consideration. We are committed to ensuring outdoor preschool is available to every family who wants it regardless of schedule or financial situation; we are UPK and CCFAP approved and offer post care around the 8-4:00 pm preschool program. The Preschool Teacher will lead a nature-based, UPK certified preschool class in Rutland, serving 10 children ages 3-5 within a forest school model. This role blends play-based learning and early childhood best practices with daily outdoor exploration. Working alongside an assistant teacher(s), the Preschool Teacher plays a central role in implementing a well-established program while also contributing to its ongoing growth and refinement. Teachers are responsible for shaping curriculum, supporting classroom culture, and building strong relationships with children and families. This position is ideal for an experienced, reflective educator who is comfortable working outdoors in all seasons and values collaboration, curiosity, and child-centered learning. This position is full-time and year-round, although we may be able to offer it as a school year only position for the right candidate. We are looking for 2-3 preschool teachers and hope that one of them will take on the role of Lead Preschool Teacher for the school, which would come with some additional responsibilities and pay. There is opportunity for preschool teachers to grow into a director role in the future. Duties Adapting and implementing curricula that is nature-based, child-centered, and which gives opportunities for inquiry and exploration. Ensuring that curricula conforms to the Vermont Early Learning Standards Planning and leading daily learning activities Working with co-teachers and assistants to divide responsibilities Mentoring teaching staff and explaining the reasons for curricular decisions; supervising Assistant Teachers Documenting and reporting student progress Flagging and referring students who show signs of developmental delays Communicating with parents anytime there is need as well as through a regular newsletter Offering parent-teacher conferences 2x/year Hours Monday to Friday, year round Staff stagger 8 hour days between 7:45 am and 4:15pm as per individual needs and availability. One staff meeting per week runs until 4:30. Planning time and lunch breaks included Salary and Benefits Full-time annual salary of $50,000 4.5 weeks + of paid holidays, school breaks, and inclement weather closings according to the Rutland City Schools calendar 15 PTO days for sick, personal or vacation Yearly paid professional development + 2 paid PD days 2 full weeks of inservice either side of Summer Program Medical, Vision and Dental insurance 401k Opportunity for bonus / profit distribution

Qualifications Required:

Vermont Early Childhood or Early Childhood Special Education Teaching License Experience working with preschool-aged children (3-5 years old) Strong understanding of child development, especially ages 3-5

Preferred:

Experience working as a teacher in a Vermont preschool Understanding of the forest school philosophy and programming Experience working within nature-based or environmental education Training/classes in nature-based, outdoor, or environmental education Passion for the outdoors Desired Attributes Comfortable working outdoors in all seasons (rain, snow, mud, and sun) Strong classroom presence paired with warmth and responsiveness Collaborative, reflective, and open to feedback Able to balance structure and flexibility in a dynamic environment Passionate about play-based learning, nature, and early childhood education

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Tuition reimbursement Application Question(s): Tell us about your experience with nature-based, child-led education? (short answer) Do you have the CDD required qualifications for a Teacher in a CBCCPP program licensed to serve more than 13 children? (Refer to job description if necessary)

Experience:

Early Childhood Education:

2 years (Preferred) Ability to

Relocate:

Rutland, VT 05701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person