Outdoor Lead Educator

Terra Early Learning is a community-minded early years centre with a progressive educational approach. Our mission is to co-create an environment where students experience what it means to conserve Earth’s natural resources, so we can leave our planet sustainable for all living things now, and in the future.

Terra Early Learning’s Outdoor Learning Program focuses on the natural environment being our classroom, as we spend most of our time offsite exploring different parks, forests, farms, and beaches in the city. Educators and students will experience the outdoors regardless of the weather throughout the year. Our curriculum is an emergent inquiry-based learning, responsive to our children’s interests and curiosities. Learning for Sustainability will also be incorporated in their everyday curriculum, as children will learn through hands-on experiences, exploring the relationship between the environment, the economy, and society. Children will gain knowledge, explore the values, and recognize our impact on our local environment and the greater community. Our program also encourages social-emotional learning, providing children with the space to experience, regulate and express a range of emotions in a loving, safe and inclusive space with their educators.

**The Opportunity**

Terra is seeking loving, passionate, and dedicated Outdoor Lead Educator with a commitment to life-long learning to join our Early Learning Department. As an Outdoor Lead Educator, you will be responsible for providing exceptional education in a nurturing environment.

The esteemed members of our school community bring with them diverse experiences, unique perspectives, and varied educational backgrounds. Every individual on our team is valued, heard, and respected. We work collectively to achieve our mission, while embodying our values in everything that we do.

**The Role**

As an Outdoor Lead Educator, you will:

- Provide learning experiences and opportunities to our young children, with a commitment to uphold our mission, and vision towards sustainable living.
- Lead the Outdoor Learning Team in implementing Terra Early Learning’s curriculum, while incorporating the school’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Effectively coaches educators through observation and provides regular formal and informal feedback.
- Develop a strong understanding of Terra’s school culture, and what sets us apart from other early learning centres.
- Establish loving, positive, safe and secure relationships with the children.
- Prepare learning areas and materials as necessary.
- Conduct daily inspections of the outdoor area to identify and address potential hazards before children arrive.
- Ensure the safety of children during outdoor activities, including assessing and mitigating potential risks.
- Lead outdoor activities that promote physical development, sensory exploration, and problem-solving skills among children.
- Promote and instill a sense of environmental stewardship and sustainability among children.
- Assume overall responsibility for program tools, equipment, to include safety, use, and maintenance.
- Have the physical and mental stamina to enthusiastically carry out teaching duties regardless of the weather conditions.
- Ensure the safety of all children at all times outdoors. Access risk as needed.
- Teach and model outdoor skills, including risk management, self-care, survival skills, appropriate clothing and gear, interacting with wildlife, and leave no trace practices.
- Connect and engage in collaborative partnerships with fellow educators, colleagues, leaders, families, and the greater community.
- Document children’s learning and communicate with families/caregivers and colleagues regarding children’s development and progress.
- Communicate with leadership regarding any safety issues or changes in daily outdoor plan.
- Attend staff meetings and professional development opportunities where necessary.
- Share professional experience and knowledge with colleagues in presentations and meetings.

**The Qualifications**

As an Outdoor Lead Educator, you have:

- 2 years experience working as an Outdoor Educator Lead or Supervisor.
- A valid Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B Certification
- A clear Criminal Record Check
- Canadian citizenship and/or legally permitted to work in Canada
- Work experience with children ages 3 to 5 years with experience in the Outdoor Education, focused on student-led learning.
- Strong communication skills; spoken and written in English
- A commitment to learn, apply, champion, and embody Terra’s Values and Mission
- A deep understanding and commitment for the industry in which we operate
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Have a passion for building and maintaining relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- A growth mindset, recognizing opportunities for learning and growth daily
- Experience, knowledge in sustainability education and outdoor education is an asset

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