Early Childhood Educator for Nature-based Summer Camp

 Summer Camp Teacher

Oak Heart Forest Program is seeking an Early Childhood Educator to serve as a Summer Camp Teacher, 4-days/week, for 4-weeks, July 7th -July 31st, 2025.                                Monday through Thursday, 9am -1pm. 

Location: Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area                                                                     6531 San Pablo Dam Road                                                                                                                          El Sobrante, CA. 94803

Oak Heart Forest Program is a high-quality mixed-aged outdoor Nature-based enrichment program. Our outdoor program takes a “hands-on” educational approach to place and play-based learning.  A child’s sense of wonder and imagination inspires all that we do. Our aim is to understand, respect and entrust children with their own freedom to think, to wonder, to ask and answer their own questions, and discover what it is about the world that makes them come alive.  Our curriculum is focused on play, Nature connection and building independence, inspiring personal confidence, growth and development.  We serve children ages 3-7 years. 

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree preferred
• 3+years of experience in early childhood education and/or early childhood outdoor education working with children ages 3-7 
• Accredited teacher training or equivalent professional teaching experience and early childhood education knowledge, skills and abilities

Responsibilities:

• Co-teaches and supports young children (mixed age group with various abilities) in their social-emotional and physical development. Fosters nature connections, a love and understanding for nature and rich outdoor experiences
• Assists in ensuring student safety at all times and manages group dynamics. Including supporting teachers by knowing the number of participants and where they are at all times; being an extra pair of eyes and ears. Spotting children while tree climbing
• Arrive on time to help with set up and help carry out daily routines/rhythms
   
• Co-creates developmentally appropriate and engaging nature-based experiences through arts and crafts, songs, movement, puppets, nature walks and hikes, teacher/child observations. Supports morning and afternoon circles
• Attends to children’s basic needs (assisting with hand-washing, mealtimes, etc.)
• Able to follow the lead teacher in shifting program flow as needed                     

Technical Skills Required: 

• Current CPR and First Aid training and certification required
• Basic forest/outdoor/nature skills
• Knowledge of native flora and fauna helpful

Additional Skills and Abilities:

• Passion for outdoor Nature-based education
• Ability to communicate effectively with teachers and parents
• Creative, flexible and able to work independently well as part of a collaborative team
• Able to lift 25 pounds
• Physically able to stand, sit on the ground and walk/hike over a 4-hour period

Compensation: We are committed to paying our teachers competitive wages. Salary will be determined by a combination of education, experience, and position.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to: oakheartforest@gmail.com

For more details visit: www.oakheartforestprogram.com

Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you!