Outdoor Nature-based Summer Camp Early Childhood Educator/Teacher
Oak Heart Forest Program is seeking an Early Childhood Educator to serve as a Summer Camp Teacher; 4-days/week, July 7th -July 31st, 2025. Monday through Thursday, 9am -1pm.
Location: Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Park, El Sobrante, CA.
Oak Heart Forest Program is a high-quality mixed-aged outdoor forest school enrichment program. Our outdoor program takes a “hands-on” educational approach to place and play-based learning. A child’s sense of wonder and imagination inspires all that we do. Our aim is to understand, respect and entrust children with their own freedom to think, to wonder, to ask and answer their own questions, and discover what it is about the world that makes them come alive. Our curriculum is focused on play, natural elements (earth, water, air, fire) nature connection and building independence, inspiring personal confidence, growth and development. We serve children ages 3-7.
Education and Experience:
Undergraduate degree preferred.
3+years of experience in early childhood education and/or early childhood outdoor education working with children ages 3-7, or a combination of experience and education.
Accredited teacher training or equivalent professional teaching experience and early childhood education knowledge, skills and abilities.
Responsibilities:
Co-teaches and supports young children (mixed age group with various abilities) in their social-emotional and physical development. Fosters nature connections, creates a love and understanding for nature and rich outdoor experiences.
Assists in ensuring student safety at all times and manages group dynamics. Including supporting co-teachers by knowing the number of participants and where they are at all times. Being an extra pair of eyes and ears. Spotting and supporting children while tree climbing.
Arrive on time to help with set up and help carry out our daily rhythm.
Co-creates developmentally appropriate and engaging nature-based seasonal experiences through arts and crafts, games, songs, movement, puppets, nature walks and hikes and teacher/child observations. Supports morning and afternoon circles.
Attends to children’s basic needs (assisting with hand-washing, mealtimes, etc.).
Able to follow the lead teacher in shifting program flow as needed.
Technical Skills Required:
Current CPR and First Aid training and certification highly preferred.
Basic forest/outdoor/nature skills.
Knowledge of native flora and fauna helpful.
Additional Skills and Abilities:
Passion for outdoor nature-based education.
Dependable and able to show up on time to be present for the children and teachers.
Ability to communicate effectively with co-teachers and parents.
Creative, flexible, energetic and able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Able to lift 25 pounds.
Physically able to stand, sit on the ground and walk/hike over a 4-hour period.
Compensation: We are committed to paying our teachers competitive wages.
Salary will be determined by a combination of education, experience, and position.
For more details visit: www.oakheartforestprogram.com
