Early Childhood Lead Teacher - Nature School

Sanderling Waldorf School

Sanderling Waldorf School is seeking a nurturing, adventurous, and experienced early childhood educator to join us as a founding teacher of Sander sprouts Nature School — our new forest school program for children ages 3-4. This role is ideal for an educator who is deeply committed to child-centered, developmentally appropriate education and who feels at home outdoors, believing that nature itself is the greatest classroom.

Sander sprouts Nature School is a forest school program rooted in the early childhood philosophy of Sanderling Waldorf School — North County San Diego's only accredited Waldorf school. At Sander sprouts, we bring Waldorf's time-honored wisdom outdoors, weaving together the rhythms and imaginative richness of Waldorf early childhood education with the child-led, nature-immersive spirit of forest school pedagogy. We value collaboration, reflective practice, and strong partnerships with families.

The Sander sprouts Nature School Teacher is responsible for creating a warm, rhythmic, and wonder-filled outdoor learning environment for children ages 3-4. The teacher will guide children through nature-based play, seasonal rhythms, storytelling, and hands‑on discovery, honoring each child's developmental needs while fostering a deep connection to the living world around them.

• Design and lead daily outdoor rhythms, including morning circle, nature exploration, imaginative play, and seasonal activities
• Create a safe, nurturing, and predictable outdoor classroom environment that invites curiosity and independence
• Facilitate child‑led discovery and open-ended play in natural settings
• Observe and thoughtfully support each child's social, emotional, and physical development
• Communicate regularly and warmly with parents and caregivers
• Collaborate with Sanderling faculty and participate in school-wide events and festivals
• Conduct and document regular outdoor risk assessments to ensure child safety
• Maintain required documentation and program organization

• Experience working with preschool-aged children (ages 3–4 strongly preferred)
• Background or training in Waldorf early childhood education and/or forest school methodology (or a strong passion for pursuing such training)
• Comfort and confidence leading children in outdoor environments across varying weather and terrain
• Deep attunement to young children's developmental needs and a play-based, unhurried approach to learning
• Ability to work collaboratively and warmly within a small school community
• Wilderness First Aid, CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Required state licensing or credentials (as applicable)

This position is full-time. Compensation is commensurate with experience and training.

Please submit a resume, 3 references, and a brief cover letter describing your experience with early childhood, outdoor, and/or Waldorf education — and what draws you to the forest school model — to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).'d love to hear your story.