Forest School Educator; Term

Position: Forest School Educator (Term)
Position Summary:

Fort Whyte Alive is looking to grow our Forest School team of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their appreciation of nature with preschool children. Fort Whyte Forest School is an outdoor, all-weather program for children (2-12 years old) that runs year round.

The Forest School Educator will provide supervision and guidance for children that supports the pedagogy of place, inquiry, and play-based learning through child inspired curriculum. This term position is providing maternity leave coverage.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan activities that support curiosity, play and inquiry-based learning through an emergent curriculum inspired by children’s interests and daily and seasonal changes in our natural environment

Review spaces for learning and make recommendations to Manager regarding their enhancement using the framework written by Deitze

Complete site safety assessments and document accordingly

Ensure the safety of all participants by being observant of environmental hazards, inappropriate or unsafe behavior, staying within the boundaries of play, and maintaining supervision of children at all times

receive and integrate ideas from other members of the Forest School team by planning programs, researching, providing artifacts, and literature to create immersive experiences for the participants

Incorporate Indigenous teachings, principles, and resources as a part of Fort Whyte Alive’s reconciliation plan

Lead Volunteer training and provide guidance and ongoing training for the volunteers that support Forest School

Create safe spaces for participants to express their emotions and provide guidance and strategies that promote positive child development

Participate in post-program debriefing sessions with other facilitators and volunteers

Performing pedagogical documentation through Storypark on a weekly basis

Provide families with appropriate feedback on their child’s development, behaviour and wellbeing.

Ensuring the participants are well-dressed for the weather and they are safe from potential environmental hazards in all seasons (ex. frostbite, sunburn, heat stroke)

Take training needed to provide workshop professional development for other child care centers, schools, and educators

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Early Childhood Education Diploma, or equivalent experience, required

Forest School Practitioner Certificate or equivalent experience, required

Must be familiar with and abide by Forest School Canada’s principles and guidelines for Forest and Nature Schools

Minimum 1 year experience working outdoors with children (2-10 years old)

Successful Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registry Check

Physically able to work in all weather conditions (rain, heat, cold) and able to walk long distances over uneven terrain, carry a backpack, and perform light lifting duties

Able to carry out education duties with enthusiasm regardless of weather conditions

Understand the value of risky play, emergent learning philosophies and child-led play/place-based learning

Standard, Remote or Wilderness First Aid considered an asset (training will be provided upon hire)

Experience in outdoor education, biology, natural resources considered an asset