Discover a Career with Little Forest School, Inc.

Join Us in Building Something Special at Little Forest School

At Little Forest School, we’re looking for someone who feels most at home outdoors and believes childhood is meant to be lived beyond four walls.

This role is for a naturalist at heart--someone who values muddy boots, changing seasons, and the quiet magic of watching a child discover the world around them. You'll help nurture a space where the Northwoods becomes the classroom, where backyards feel like a first home, and where children are free to explore, wonder, and grow at their own pace.

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to:

• push traditional notions of learning

• support children in becoming confident, curious, and comfortable in their element

• encouraging children to be both grounded and adventurous

We believe a love for nature and a sense of belonging outdoors are the roots of a lifelong journey.

If you're excited about building something new and believe that sticks and stones make some of the best learning tools—we’d love to meet you.

Position Summary

The Outdoor Education & Float Teacher supports the daily operations of the childcare center by providing flexible classroom coverage while also playing a key role in developing and enhancing the center’s nature-based learning program. This position works across all age groups (infants through pre-K) and collaborates with leadership and staff to design, implement, and promote outdoor education experiences that align with the mission of Little Forest School.

This role is ideal for someone who is adaptable, creative, and passionate about outdoor learning, early childhood development, and community engagement.

Benefits

• Cigna Health Insurance
  • Employee coverage 80%
  • Family coverage 50%
• Delta Dental & Vision
  • Employee coverage 100%
  • Family coverage optional
• Simple IRA
  • 3% employer match
• Health Savings Account
  • $100/month contribution (eligible employees)
• PTO
  • 12 days per year
• Paid Holidays
  • 10 per year
  • Paid break from Christmas Eve–New Year’s Day
• Complimentary Household Membership
  • North Lakeland Discovery Center

Pay Rate

$18.00–$20.00/hour (based on experience and qualifications)

Essential Functions

Classroom & Float Responsibilities

• Provide coverage and support across all classrooms and age groups
• Supervise and engage children in safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate activities
• Assist with daily routines (meals, dishes, diapering, toileting, rest time, transitions)
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment
• Support lead teachers in implementing curriculum and classroom management
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
• Ensure compliance with licensing and program policies

Outdoor Education & Program Development

• Collaborate with leadership to build and expand the outdoor education program
• Help design and implement nature-based curriculum and learning experiences
• Plan and schedule daily and seasonal outdoor activities for all age groups
• Support teachers in integrating outdoor learning into their classrooms
• Create engaging nature-based social media content to highlight programming and learning
• Assist with documenting children’s outdoor experiences and learning outcomes

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Help develop partnerships with local organizations and nature-based resources
• Support community outreach efforts to promote the program
• Assist with events, family engagement opportunities, and outdoor learning initiatives
• Advocate for outdoor education within the program and broader community

Staff Support & Leadership

• Encourage and support staff in embracing outdoor learning practices
• Share ideas, resources, and strategies for outdoor education
• Model best practices in both classroom and outdoor environments

Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent (required)
• Coursework or degree in Early Childhood Education, Environmental Education, or related field (preferred)
• Prior experience working with young children (preferred)
• Experience or strong interest in nature-based or outdoor education
• Minimum 240 hours as an assistant teacher or equivalent experience (preferred)
• Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
• Flexible and adaptable across age groups and environments
• Ability to meet all state licensing requirements

Required Training (or willingness to obtain):

• CPR / First Aid / AED
• Abusive Head Trauma
• SIDS
• Mandated Reporter

Skills & Physical Requirements

• Passion for working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• Ability to stay active: walking, bending, lifting, and engaging with children throughout the day
• Comfort with outdoor elements (mud, rain, snow, insects, etc.)
• Ability to build authentic relationships with families and children
• Willingness to support both structured and emergent learning environments

Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time Monday-Friday
• Flexible schedule depending on classroom coverage and outdoor programming
• Compensation based on experience and qualifications

Core Competencies

• Flexibility and adaptability
• Creativity and initiative
• Passion for outdoor and experiential learning
• Strong communication and collaboration
• Reliability and professionalism
• Commitment to child safety and development