Discover a Career with Little Forest School, Inc.

Join Us in Building Something Special at Little Forest School

At Little Forest School, we’re not just hiring—we’re inviting you to help shape something meaningful.

As a nonprofit nature-based childcare center, we’re creating a space where children lead the way through curiosity, creativity, and muddy hands. We're looking for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts

• Educators who believe in:

  • The power of play

  • The beauty of puddle jumping

  • The importance of nature-based learning

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

• Co-create an innovative forest school curriculum

• Grow with a passionate team

• Become part of a community-driven effort

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: Infant/Toddler Childcare Teacher

Pay Rate: $18–$20/hour
Ages Served: 3 months to 2.5 years
Reports to: Childcare Director

Location: Manitowish Waters, WI

Benefits:

Paid time off: 12 PTO days (year 0-2)

Holiday pay: 10 paid holidays & Christmas Eve through New Years Day paid

Cigna Health Insurance: employee coverage 80%; Family Coverage 50%

Delta Dental & Vision: Employee coverage 100%; Family Coverage optional

Tuition reimbursement

Simple IRA's: 3% employer match

Health Saving's Account: $100/month contribution (eligible employees)

Complimentary Household Membership to North Lakeland Discovery Center

The Childcare Teacher supports the development and delivery of high-quality, nature- and play-based programs. This role involves:

• Implementing curriculum

• Supervising children and classroom activities

• Fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment

Essential Functions

Program Delivery

• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons rooted in nature and play-based learning

• Foster achievement, belonging, and relationships through intentional programming

• Make systematic observations and assessments to support each child’s development

• Maintain accurate records (lesson plans, evaluations, child assessments)

• Provide updates to Childcare Director as needed

Classroom Supervision & Safety

• Oversee daily classroom operations and ensure a safe, inclusive environment

• Supervise assistants, aides, and volunteers

• Ensure compliance with all licensing and safety regulations

• Support ADA accommodations for inclusivity

• Maintain cleanliness and safety of program site and equipment

• Uphold confidentiality of children’s and families’ information

• Complete:

  • 15 hours of annual continuing education

  • Abuse and neglect training every two years

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with families through:

  • Daily communication

  • Parent conferences

  • Coordinating with home schedules

• Connect families with community resources

• Attend and contribute to:

  • Staff meetings

  • Training sessions

  • Childcare events

• Participate in creating a positive, collaborative school culture

Qualifications

Age

• Must be at least 18 years old

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent

• At least two:

  • DCF-approved non-credit courses or

  • College-level courses in early childhood education

Certifications

• CPR, First Aid, and AED (or obtained within 3 months of hire)

• Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training

• SIDS

• Mandated Reporter

• Wisconsin Registry Certificate:

  • Level 4 minimum

  • Level 7+ preferred

Experience

• At least 240 hours in an early childhood setting (childcare center, family childcare, etc.)

Skills & Physical Requirements

• Ability to build authentic relationships with diverse families and children

• Physically able to:

  • Bend, lift, and sit at children's level

  • Stay active throughout the day

• Comfortable with exposure to:

  • Cleaning supplies

  • Bodily fluids

  • Common childhood illnesses

• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities