Nature Based Teacher in Vancouver,, WA

Summary

As a Nature-Based Early Learning Teacher, you’ll help create a warm, engaging outdoor classroom where children learn through **play, discovery, and child-led exploration**. You’ll be responsible for building a strong, connected teaching team, coordinating meaningful learning experiences, and supporting the day-to-day flow of the classroom.

You bring a deep understanding of how children develop—**cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically**—and you use that knowledge to create a safe, stimulating environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable. Children actively participate in hands-on activities that build curiosity, confidence, and essential skills through **hands-on learning in nature** and intentional, flexible play.

You’re also an excellent communicator. You know how to connect with children at their level, partner with educators to guide and support teaching assistants, and build positive relationships with families by sharing updates, responding thoughtfully, and addressing concerns with care.

If you’re passionate about play-based, child-led learning and want to make a real impact in an outdoor-inspired environment, this role is for you.The Teacher is responsible for developing a cohesive teaching team, coordinating the curriculum, and managing the day-to-day operational activities. Teachers must understand children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development in order to ensure a safe and stimulating classroom environment where children are actively engaged and encouraged to succeed. The Teacher must be skilled in communicating with both children and adults in order to meet the needs of the children, effectively guide teacher assistants, and resolve parental concerns.

Duties

• Coordinate and implement the play-based, child-led curriculum, developing activities aligned with developmentally appropriate practices and early learning guidelines.
• Lead by example by modeling best practices, supporting the teaching team, to ensure a consistent, high-quality learning environment.
• Plan and facilitate individual and group learning experiences that engage children and promote social, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth through hands-on discovery and learning in nature.
• Maintain frequent, meaningful communication with families through informal check-ins, progress updates in the Brightwheel App., and parent-teacher conferences, building strong home–school partnerships.
• Ensure full compliance with center policies, licensing requirements, and state regulations.
• Create and maintain a healthy, safe, and secure outdoor environment, including hygiene, cleanliness, and child safety procedures.
• Keep accurate records and required documentation to support effective program operations and reporting.
• Maintain a personal professional development plan focused on continuous improvement, reflection, and strengthening teaching practice.Coordinate and implement educational curriculum by developing classroom activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and early learning standards

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of professional child care experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and basic computer skills.
• High energy and the ability to work well with others (staff, children, and parents) and to foster a team environment.
• A strong understanding of child development.
• Infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must clear full background check and must pass health screening.
• Associate’s Degree in early childhood education or related field of study with a minimum of 30 Credits in ECE.
• Requirements include the ability to take frequent walks, use hands and fingers, handle objects, tools or controls, talk to and hear voices at many levels. May also be required to kneel, bend, squat or crawl.
• A specific vision ability will be required including the ability to see up close and up to a certain distance, to see colors, have peripheral vision and depth perception.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in play-based, child-led, Reggio-inspired, or nature-based/forest school settings.  
• Comfort facilitating outdoor learning in varied weather and supporting children’s resilience and risk-aware play.  
• Experience with observation/documentation practices and child assessment/work sampling.  
• Interest in engaging with the broader early childhood professional community (local/state/national organizations). 
• Experience supporting community events and family gatherings.

Benefits

• Reduced tuition for a staff member’s child may be offered for full-time staff (amount agreed upon prior to start; dependent on availability; subject to Parent Handbook policies).  
• Access to Early Achievers education grants after 90 days (subject to eligibility and program requirements).  
• Up to 8 paid hours/year of approved professional development release time.  
• Planning time for all staff: minimum of 4 paid hours/month (1 hour/week), scheduled as staffing allows. 
• Paid holidays available after 1 year of full-time, continuous employment.