Nature Preschool Teaching Intern

Every Child Outdoors (ECO); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Every Child Outdoors (ECO) in Boston is seeking an assistant to support our nature-based outdoor preschool. You will work with the Lead Teacher to help children aged two through five engage with the outdoors through play and exploration. Start date is October 1 (flexible); hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m.

- 12:15 p.m., and compensation is $15/hour. Successful reference and background checks are required, and obtaining EEC credentials (Family Child Care Certified Assistant) is

Qualifications

• Excited to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of an outdoor preschool program, including hiking on uneven terrain and carrying supplies.
• Willingness to obtain EEC Family Child Care teaching credential.
• Experience working with children ages 2–4 is preferred, especially in nature-based settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Lead Teacher to create a welcoming, joyful, and safe learning environment for children ages two through five
• Recognize children’s play as meaningful work and support child-directed exploration and discovery
• Guide children in building a relationship with the land, encouraging ecological awareness
• Approach behavior as communication and support children to navigate conflict
• Cultivate joy and wonder, encouraging curiosity, laughter, and the arts as part of daily life
• Engage in reflective practice with colleagues

Skills

Outdoor instruction

Childcare experience

Physical stamina

Credential pursuit

Education

Family Child Care Certified Assistant credential

Job description

At Every Child Outdoors (ECO), children spend their days exploring, playing, and learning with nature.Gain experience in nature-based early childhood education, with opportunities to learn from experienced Lead Teachers while working directly with young children outdoors.

• Start Date: October 1st (flexible)
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
• Compensation: $15/hour

Responsibilities:

Teaching & Learning:

• Assist the Lead Teacher to create a welcoming, joyful, and safe learning environment for children ages two through five
• Recognize children’s play as meaningful work and support child-directed exploration and discovery
• Guide children in building a relationship with the land, encouraging a growing awareness of their role within a larger ecological community
• Approach behavior as communication and support children to navigate conflict
• Cultivate joy and wonder as central elements of daily life, recognizing that curiosity, laughter, and the arts are essential to a good life
• Engage in reflective practice with colleagues

Health, Safety & Daily Care:

• Attend to children’s well-being while guiding them to build resilience, risk awareness, and confidence in outdoor environments across a range of weather conditions
• Support children with daily care routines, including mealtimes, toileting, and transitions
• Help maintain and organize program spaces and supplies

Professional Practice:

• Communicate professionally with families and colleagues
• Respond to communications in a timely manner
• Obtain required EEC credentials, including Family Child Care Certified Assistant qualification

Qualifications:

• Excited to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions
• Ability to meet the physical demands of an outdoor preschool program, including hiking on uneven and steep terrain and carrying program supplies
• Willingness to obtain EEC Family Child Care teaching credential
• Experience working with children ages 2 - 4 is preferred, particularly in nature-based, forest school, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf, or other child-centered settings

Additional Information:

• Hiring is rolling.
• Successful reference and background checks are required.