Forest School Educator​/Facilitator

Forest schools, Nature schools, Outdoor schools

Position: Forest School Educator / Facilitator

Organization: Nurture the Nature Forest School

Location: Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario

Start Date: Fall 2026

Schedule: Thursdays, approximately 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Potential for additional days/hours and an extended position as enrollment grows

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 our programs grow.

We are looking for someone who has meaningful experience working with children outdoors and a strong understanding of Forest School philosophy and child-led learning
. While formal teaching experience is welcomed, we are especially interested in educators with backgrounds in Forest and Nature School, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, outdoor education, Early Childhood Education, or other child-centred and inquiry-based approaches
.

Our ideal educator understands that their role is not simply to plan and deliver adult-directed activities. They are comfortable observing children's interests, following emerging ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and intentionally creating learning invitations and provocations that encourage children to explore, experiment, problem-solve, create, and deepen their learning.

Our programs run primarily outdoors in all seasons and weather, with an indoor backup space available when conditions require it.

Above all, we're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys being outdoors with children
.

You are curious, creative, flexible, observant, and comfortable with days that don't always go according to plan. You understand the value of slowing down and allowing children's interests to shape where the day may lead.

You recognize the learning that happens through climbing a tree, building a shelter, investigating an insect, creating with loose parts, navigating a disagreement, asking questions about something discovered on the trail, or spending an afternoon deeply engaged in a self-created project.

You should be comfortable balancing child-led exploration with intentional educator support
, knowing when to step in with an invitation, question, resource or new possibility—and when to step back and allow children to lead.

We value educators who are collaborative, empathetic, dependable, inclusive, environmentally conscious, and excited to continue learning alongside both children and colleagues.

• Collaborate with the team to co-create and facilitate a dynamic, seasonal Forest School program rooted in children's interests and the natural environment.
• Observe children's play, interests and questions and use these observations to support an emergent curriculum.
• Design and set up thoughtful learning invitations, provocations and environments using natural materials, loose parts, tools and other open-ended resources.
• Facilitate outdoor experiences including nature exploration, hiking, games, storytelling, creative projects, tool use, shelter building and other seasonal experiences.
• Engage meaningfully with children during both facilitated experiences and child-led play.
• Support children's social-emotional development, independence, problem-solving and confidence.
• Prepare and maintain learning spaces, program materials and outdoor equipment, including tarps and shelters.
• Support children in engaging in…