Forest Learning Collective
Available Positions: Guide
Guides will support, teach, and mentor children through nature immersion and following the Reggio-Emilia style of learning. A typical day includes being outdoors throughout most of the day, in most weather conditions, and guides are expected to convey a love of being outside. Our groups may be divided into learning groups by age, depending on enrollment.
Responsibilities
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Collaborate and work with fellow guides, working to share planning and leading responsibilities equally
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Help learners explore the world around them in a child-led style curriculum
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Use appropriate behavioral management with students as covered in training and weekly guide meetings
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Maintain a safe and healthy environment by knowing and adhering to our safety protocols
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Embrace the nature immersion philosophies of the program
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Attend all staff meetings and trainings as necessary
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Be responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of all children. This includes helping children stay warm and dry, helping as needed with bathroom hygiene, clothes and gear.
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Gracefully and professionally communicate with parents, caregivers, children, and fellow guides, both formally and informally, individually and in groups.
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Use the StoryPark app to document children's learning and share with guides and families.
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Additional tasks may be assigned to meet the needs of the program
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function.
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Must be able to lift and carry children up to 50 lbs.
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Must be able to walk, sit, run, reach, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, pull, push and spend long periods of time standing
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There may be physical demands based on physical, emotional and cognitive needs of particular children
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Must cheerfully embrace being outdoors in all weathers, and show enthusiasm for animals, bugs and all of our natural environment.
Minimum Qualifications
All staff persons must hold a valid certificate in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid and pass a background check. If not, FLC must be notified to provide CPR training, first aid training, or background check prior to program start.
Preference is given to candidates who have experience in teaching with place-based education (emergent curriculum), Reggio Emilia, nature and/or environmental education and/or the arts. Wilderness trip leading experience is a plus. Comfort in the outdoors in all seasons is essential for this position. This position requires that the candidate works well with a small team of creative educators who collaborate to support the learning of our families, plan activities, create routines, support each other and communicate well. Guides should be self-motivated and directed individuals with strong leadership abilities; excellent organization, communication, and teaching skills; the desire to listen and speak with children effectively and with compassion; the flexibility to operate independently and as part of a team; an engaging personality; and a genuine interest in learning and teaching of children, working with families, and cultivating community connections.
Job Type
Part Time, M/W/F from 8:30-4:30 plus 3 hours a week for staff meeting and planning period for a total of 27 hours/week from September thru June. Occasional attendance at FLC events may be required.
Pay rate: $16.50-$20 with paid training and six (6) accrued paid work days off for personal/sick/vacation days each program year. You are also entitled to eight (8) paid days off for national holidays and winter recess.
Start Date: August
