Thrive Forest School is Louisville's first nature-based preschool, holding class outside everyday in all weather. Children 3-6 years of age take part in a child-led, play-based, emergent curriculum. Teachers are there to guide and inquire, but not "instruct". Class is held Monday - Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm. Lead and Support Teacher schedules may vary depending on class schedules and enrollments. Do you love mud? If so, keep reading :)

Teacher Must:

• Lead teacher must have a degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development (CD) or related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred with at least 36 college credits in ECE, CD, or Elementary Education (ELED). Degree not required for support teacher.
• Have professional experience working with preschool aged children
• Facilitate developmentally appropriate nature-based preschool programming
• Be comfortable working outside in all types of weather
• Have an authentic and infectious love of the natural world
• Have the ability to communicate professionally and clearly with other teachers, children, and parents in person, by telephone, and via email
• Be responsible for the health, safety, and the welfare of all children. This includes helping children to stay warm and dry in inclement weather, managing risk in an outdoor setting, and addressing student conflicts
• Conduct ongoing assessment of students
• Overall planning for equipment and supply needs
• Setup and breakdown outdoor classroom daily
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and review of Thrive Forest School policies and procedures
• Demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, including empathy and listening skill set
• Demonstrate working knowledge of hazards and risk assessment as related to the environments of young children
• Be flexible and willing to assist with a variety of teaching and administrative duties
• Other duties as assigned
• Submit to a background check, reference checks, and TB test
• Be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Be able to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for extended periods of time

Bonus Points for:

• Nature-Based Preschool and/or Forest Kindergarten training or certification
• Ecology or naturalist training
• A background in music, art, or theater, especially as it relates to preschool children
• First Aid / CPR certification

Hiring one position to start in June and a second to begin in August. Exact schedule TBD and could range from 20 - 40 hours per week.