Outdoor Forest School Educator & Facilitator

GoodWork.ca; Toronto; On-site; CAD 7,000 - 12,000; Full time

Job summary

Nurture the Nature Forest School is a child-led, play- and nature-based learning program where children are given the time and space to explore, take appropriate risks, follow their curiosity, build relationships with the natural world, and develop confidence through meaningful experiences outdoors.

We are currently seeking a Forest School Educator/Facilitator to join our team on Thursdays beginning Fall 2026, with the possibility of additional days/hours and extending the position as enrollment

Qualifications

• Experience working directly with children outdoors.
• Strong understanding of Forest School philosophy and child-led learning.
• Experience with children aged approximately 4–13.
• Understanding of emergent curriculum, inquiry-based learning, play- and place-based learning, loose parts and developmentally appropriate risky play.
• Ability to observe children's interests and translate observations into invitations or provocations.
• Current First Aid/CPR, or willingness to obtain before beginning
• Current Vulnerable Sector Check
• Comfort outdoors for full program day in varied weather
• Ability to meet physical demands: uneven terrain, carrying materials, bending/kneeling
• Strong communication, collaboration and organizational skills
• Commitment to inclusive and respectful practice
• Commitment to Indigenous perspectives and building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the team to co-create and facilitate a dynamic forest school program rooted in children's interests and the natural environment.
• Observe children's play and questions to support an emergent curriculum.
• Design learning invitations, provocations and environments using natural materials and loose parts.
• Facilitate outdoor experiences including nature exploration, hiking, games, storytelling and creative projects.
• Engage meaningfully with children during facilitated experiences and child-led play.
• Support children's social-emotional development, independence and problem-solving.
• Prepare and maintain learning spaces and outdoor equipment.
• Ensure safety through appropriate risk management.
• Document children's experiences and learning through photos and observations.
• Communicate with families and program lead about materials and planning.
• Participate in paid staff meetings and planning sessions.
• Be willing to share outdoor skills and knowledge with children.

Skills

Outdoor work with children

Forest School philosophy

Observation to provocations

Safety and first aid

Indigenous perspectives awareness

First Aid/CPR

Vulnerable Sector Check

Weather adaptation

Communication & collaboration

Child-led learning

Empathy and inclusivity

Education

First Aid/CPR certification

Vulnerable Sector Check

Job description

Nurture the Nature Forest School is a child-led, play- and nature-based learning program where children are given the time and space to explore, take appropriate risks, follow their curiosity, build relationships with the natural world, and develop confidence through meaningful experiences outdoors.

We are currently seeking a Forest School Educator/Facilitator to join our team on Thursdays beginning Fall 2026, with the possibility of additional days/hours and extending the position as enrollment