Seedlings Class Teacher

New Haven Ecology Project Inc; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Seasonal status

Paid planning time

Job summary

New Haven Ecology Project Inc seeks an early childhood educator to lead Seedlings Class for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a parent or caregiver in outdoor nature settings.

Classes run mornings and include planning time; the role is seasonal, part-time, with start in September. Applicants should enjoy outdoor learning, working with diverse families, and adapting activities to weather and space.

Qualifications

• Experience with very young children (infant through preschool) and developing developmentally appropriate activities in a nature-based setting.
• Ability to consider caregivers' needs (including grandparents) while guiding outdoor experiences.
• Excellent communication with children, adults, and coworkers.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving as part of daily work.
• Flexibility to adapt plans to spaces, weather, and daily needs.
• Commitment to joyful, inclusive work with diverse urban communities.
• Work around farm animals and wildlife in outdoor settings.
• Physical demands: uneven terrain, outdoor teaching, carrying supplies in all weather.
• Must have a verifiable record of consistent attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Lead Seedlings Class for infants to preschoolers with caregiver participation.
• Plan engaging, accessible, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Communicate clearly with children, caregivers, and team members.
• Adapt activities based on weather and space availability.
• Support inclusive learning in a racially and economically diverse community.
• Maintain safety while guiding outdoor exploration with animals.

Skills

Very young children

Communication

Flexibility

Critical thinking

Inclusive teaching

Outdoor teaching

Attendance punctuality

Job description

Seeking an early childhood educator to lead farm and forest based classes for young children and their caregivers!

About the position:

Our SEEDLINGS CLASS is for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a parent or other caregiver. Seedlings Teachers offer themed classes focused on nature exploration, including hands‑on activities, music, movement, and stories. Classes meet outside in most weather conditions.

SCHEDULE : Seedlings Teachers set their availability and may be scheduled within their availability. Class is 9 - 10:30 AM and teachers typically work 8:30 - 11, with additional paid planning time. Seedlings Class is usually offered for 8 - 10 weeks in fall and spring.

Currently seeking a teacher who can work at least 2 out of 3 mornings, Tues, Weds, and/or Thurs. Classes start the week of September 8.

Position requirements and responsibilities:

• Experience with very young children (infant through preschool), including planning accessible and developmentally appropriate activities, stories, music, and exploration in a nature‑based setting.
• Experience with considering the needs of caregivers (sometimes grandparents) and young children while facilitating outdoor experiences
• Use excellent communication skills, including speaking with children, adults, and coworkers.
• Use strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills and sound judgment as part of routine daily work.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt plans to the available spaces, weather conditions, and other needs of the day
• Commitment to working joyfully and inclusively with children and adults of all identities, with much of our work serving a racially and economically diverse urban community.
• Work in a setting with farm animals as well as native wildlife including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds.
• Engage in the physical requirements of this role, including safely navigating outdoor terrain that includes uneven and unpaved surfaces, sitting on the ground, carrying a backpack with teaching supplies, and teaching outside in weather conditions including heat, rain, cold, and snow.
• Verifiable record of consistent attendance and punctuality at previous workplaces

Compensation

$22.50/hour

*Seasonal part-time position