Ensure the well-being of the children in the preschool summer camp program, and nurture whole child development through supporting children in discovery and engaging with the emergent curriculum that arises from children’s play in nature. 

Job Title: Preschool Summer Camp Lead Teacher 
Reports to: Preschool Director 
Job Status: Seasonal Part-Time (32-36 hours per week) 
Start Date: Training – Two days during week of May 16-21, 2022 (exact dates TBD) 
Camp runs June 13-August 5, 2022 

Salary: $17.50 per hour 

Location: East Boulder Community Center, Boulder, Colorado 

To apply: Fill out an online application at:  

https://thorne.campintouch.com/ui/forms/application/staff/App  

 Questions regarding the position can be directed to Preschool Director, Lorene Wapotich, at Lorene@thornenature.org. No phone calls please. 

 Thorne Nature Preschool Mission: 

To support the holistic development of young children and their relationship to the natural world through joyful, hands-on, place-based, developmentally appropriate experiences that nurture the whole child and foster an emotional connection to nature. Learn more at: www.thornenaturepreschool.org 

 Job Purpose: 

Ensure the well-being of the children in the preschool summer camp program, and nurture whole child development through supporting children in discovery and engaging with the emergent curriculum that arises from children’s play in nature. 

 Principal Responsibilities: 

• As part of a team of 3 staff with 15 children, manage daily operations and supervise children in the preschool summer camp program (8:30am-1:30pm), 5 days per week (M-F) 
•  Maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for children utilizing nature as the organizing principal for all learning  
• Collaborate with the Preschool Team in the development and implementation of daily practices and routines, as well as seasonal, place-based, emergent curriculum that promote early childhood development and deep nature connection 
• Observe and document children’s progress in the areas of their social, emotional, physical, creative, and cognitive skills 
• Communicate with parents about their child’s development and daily experiences, including regular posting of photos and comments using the SeeSaw app 
• Ensure the indoor and outdoor learning environments are in good condition to support safe, engaging, rich in experience, and positive child development  
• Supervise aftercare at the Lafayette Preschool site 1-2 days/week (1:30-4:30 pm) 
• Attend weekly Preschool Team meetings and occasional family events on weekends or evenings 

Desired Skills and Abilities: 

• Experienced early childhood teacher 
• Ability and desire to support excellent place-based, child-centered, emergent curriculum 
• Passion for outdoor experiences and connecting youth to nature 
• Knowledge of and desire to learn about nature and Colorado ecology 
• Ability to adapt and be flexible with the changing needs of the program 
• Strong communication skills with parents, staff, and children  
• Strong decision-making skills to respond to risk management issues, emergencies, or difficult situations  
• Good organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks and roles, patiently and professionally 
• Minimum Qualifications:  
• Early Childhood Teacher qualified. To understand requirements, click here 
• Able to be a positive, supportive, caring adult role model for young children 
• Comfortable working outdoors and able to take care of self in all weather conditions (including rain, wind, and hot sunny days) 
• Experience working with young children and families in a preschool setting preferred 
• Required Trainings & Paperwork:  
• Mandatory Thorne Summer Camp Staff training two days during the week of May 16-21, 2022; exact dates and times TBD  
• CPR, First Aid, Standard Precautions, and Medication Administration certified prior to the start of camp 
• Thorne holds trainings, but does not pay for the time or cost of these certifications  
• Complete all required trainings, forms and submit all required information needed by Thorne to be in compliance with Colorado Department of Human Services Child Care licensing standards, including background check and fingerprints.  
• Thorne helps and pays for this process  

Special Requirements: Must be willing to drive preschoolers in a Thorne Approved vehicle for field trips (Thorne will train). 

Compensation and Perks:  

Compensation is $17.50/hour 

Professional development, training, and skills share opportunities 

Summer Camp staff receive deals on gear and discounts with several Thorne partners including a local yoga studio and rock-climbing gym for the year following their summer of employment 

Working Conditions: This position requires the ability to work outside in various weather conditions. The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time. This employee will occasionally climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 

Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

Inclusiveness Statement: Thorne believes that, to remain relevant as an organization and ensure access to joyful, hands-on, place-based Environmental Education experiences for all youth, its programs, leadership, and participants must reflect the range of diversity, culture, and unique differences in our community. 

Equitable Recruiting Policy Statement: Our goal is to increase diversity amongst our staff at Thorne. We do so by providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. It is the policy at Thorne to attempt to reach diverse pools of applicants throughout the hiring process by following the Equitable Recruiting Procedure.  

Thorne Mission and History: Thorne Nature Experience is a non-profit organization committed to building Earth stewardship by connecting youth to nature through joyful, hands-on, place-based environmental education experiences. Founded in 1954, Thorne has a rich history and has reached more than 250,000 children and adults through its Summer Camps, Preschool,  In-School Programs, and Field Trip Programs.