Assistant Teacher / Outdoor Educator - Wild Kin Forest School

Do you love working with children? Have you ever hugged a tree? Do you believe mud is a natural sunscreen? Do you believe that supported risk taking is an important part of child development? Does rain make you want to run outside? Are you always the slowest person on a hike because you can’t stop smelling the plants? If this sounds like it could be you, then apply now to work at Wild Kin Forest School as an Assistant Teacher!

We are looking to fill positions in both of our classes (Pre-K/TK (ages 3-5) and Homeschool Enrichment (ages 5+))

About Wild Kin:

Wild Kin Forest School is a nature connection program for children that operates in wild spaces in and around Simi Valley, California. We are devoted to protecting childhood in the very place where we all evolved to develop: the natural world. Our days are filled with a strong rhythm that includes play, storytelling, wild explorations, art, and wilderness skills/bushcraft. Our skilled teachers lead an invisible curriculum that is designed to foster community with our local plants and animals, while challenging bodies, and minds.

Responsibilities:

• support lead teachers in maintaining daily rhythms and safety practices outdoors
• guide children playfully and patiently
• participate in running group games, art projects, and more
• sensitive observations of children and the ability to communicate those observations thoughtfully to staff and parents

Requirements:

• experience working with children
• comfortable working outdoors with children ages 3-5 or 5+ depending on which class you’re interested in.
• ECE credits or in the process of obtaining ECE credits
  (environmental studies students are encouraged to apply even if they do not have ECE credits)
• a present and patient upbeat demeanor
• ability to step back and allow children to take some risks within a supportive atmosphere
• comfortable sitting on the ground, running, jumping, climbing, swimming, lifting up to 40lbs.
• comfortable getting dirty, muddy, dusty, wet.
• ability to handle small bugs / creatures / bones
• have reliable transportation, and access to a cell phone
• have a passion for nature and desire to grow as a naturalist
• comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather
• willingness to complete background check, CPR/First Aid Certification, mandated reporter training
• passionate and curious about early/middle childhood and early/middle childhood development

Ideal Candidates will have:

• ECE Credits or a Degree in Early Childhood or other Education pathways
• Experience in a preschool or elementary school environment
• experience/knowledge in Coyote Mentoring
• previous outdoor school experience
• strong knowledge of childhood development
• naturalist knowledge
• knowledge of local hazards
• interest in wilderness and ancestral skills (wildcrafting etc.)

Where / When / Compensation:

• On trails in and around Simi Valley, CA
• Assistant Teacher in The Elderberries (ages 5+): Mondays + Wednesdays 9:15am-2:45pm
• Assistant Teacher in The Roadrunners (ages 3-5): Tuesdays + Thursdays 8:45am-2:15pm
• Hourly Compensation: $20-$25/hour DOE
• This is a part time/hourly position.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to hello@wildkinforestschool.com. Your cover letter should detail what interests you about forest school, and share any experience you have hiking, being in nature, and nature connection.