The class is a deep dive into Piedmont native communities (human, florl, and fauna), forest exploration, ancestral knowledge, and wetlands.  The educator will assist in planning, facilitating, and documenting weekly investigations, incorporating large amounts of hands-on outdoor exploration of Irvine’s 210 acres of natural lands in all types of weather.  They will encourage students to ask questions, explore, and lead their own learning.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Establish a safe learning environment for children to flourish physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively in nature
• Assist in planning and implementing a nature-based curriculum which includes handling live animals, trail walks, and unstructured nature exploration and play
• Collaborate with other teaching staff to establish a cohesive approach to Earth Friends
• Dialogue with your supervisor and families about children’s progress, needs and concerns
• Support the lead teacher in performing on-going documentation of the children’s learning processes
• Contribute to weekly email and blog posts with photographs, activities or anecdotes
• Attend required on-going professional development courses for enrichment
• Participate in special Earth Friends events (about 4 per year)

Qualifications Needed:

• Experience working with children, especially in alternative or outdoor settings
• Bachelor’s degree in education, early childhood education or outdoor education preferred
• Strong communication and organization skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Current First Aid and CPR training or Wilderness Survival First Aid and CPR
• Computer experience (i.e., use of Outlook, upload digital photos, supply purchasing, comfort using social media, etc.)
• Your own reliable transportation
• Physical stamina to hike up to two miles a day

Time Commitment:

Five hours a week, Tuesday afternoons, with additional possible teaching opportunities within Irvine’s Early Childhood Education programs. Please note, we require a commitment for Fall, Winter, and Spring semesters of the program.

Salary: $14.50 an hour