Nature Intern

Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools; Palatine (IL); On-site; USD 15,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Oak Leaf Cooperative Schools is accepting intern applications for the 2026/2027 school year in Palatine, Illinois. This internship focuses on nature education for children aged 2-5 years, requiring comfort in outdoor conditions and interaction with both children and parents.

Intern duties include assisting the teacher, implementing nature-based learning activities, and participating in school events. Candidates should have a background in education and prior experience with young children. CPR certification is required, and potential financial assistance is available for certification costs.

Qualifications

• Must possess CPR Certification (to be reimbursed).
• References and background check required.

Responsibilities

• Attend Meet the Teacher and Parent Teacher Check-Ins.
• Assist Teacher with classroom setup and cleanup.
• Provide nurturing care and implement nature-based learning.

Skills

Background/Major in Nature Education

Comfortable working with children ages 2-5

Prior experience with young children

Education

Degree in Environmental Biology or Early Childhood Education

Job description

Oak Leaf Northwest Nature School is now accepting Intern Applications for the 2026/2027 School Year

Required

Background/Major in Nature Education, Environmental Biology or Early Childhood Education. Must be comfortable working with children, ages 2-5, interacting with parents, taking direction from the lead teacher and being outside in all types of weather. Prior experience working with young children, ie volunteer work or other early childhood internships preferred. References, background check and CPR Certification (to be reimbursed) required for all interns.

Responsibilities

• Attend Meet the Teacher, Parent Teacher Check-Ins & other school related events
• Assist Teacher in set up/clean up of classroom/garden care and other assignments designated by teacher
• Provide nurturing care and Social, Emotional Learning for Oak Leaf students
• Create and implement nature based learning unit
• Attend frequent Teacher/Intern check-ins to discuss Intern progress
• Observe Local Early Childhood Nature Based Programs
• Research Program Grants and Environmental/Nature Organization Partnerships Beneficial to Oak Leaf and to help offset program costs
• Procure items for Oak Leaf on buy nothing groups to offset family costs/add to Oak Leaf lending closet
• Assist with social media and community outreach

School Year

September 8, 2026 thru May 28, 2027

Potential Days/Hours

Monday/Wednesday: 8am-12pm

Tuesday/Thursday: 8am-12pm

Estimated internship hours are based on length of internship (full school year or per semester)