Nature School Educator

**Title**: Nature School Educator - Fridays Only
**Hours**: Every Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
**Reports To**: Director of Operations/Manager

**Role Overview**

The Nature School Educator (Fridays Only) is responsible for delivering high-quality, inclusive outdoor education experiences within Sprouts Academy’s Nature School program. This educator supports children’s learning through nature-based exploration, inquiry, and guided play, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment aligned with Sprouts’ philosophy. The role is dedicated solely to Fridays, providing consistent weekly support to the Nature School team.

**Specific Accountabilities**

**Support Nature-Based Programming**
- Assist in planning and facilitating outdoor learning experiences aligned with the weekly Nature School curriculum.
- Provide a balance of active/quiet, individual/group, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Support smooth transitions between activities, hikes, explorations, and routines.
- Set up and tidy materials and outdoor learning spaces to ensure they are clean, engaging, and safe.
- Engage with children using positive, responsive, and curiosity-driven interactions.
- Use strategies such as modeling, questioning, observing, and scaffolding to extend learning.
- Encourage children’s independence, problem-solving, and self-help skills in natural environments.
- Foster inclusion, cooperation, and respect for nature and each other.

**Promote Positive Guidance and Behaviour Support**
- Follow Sprouts’ philosophy and guidance policies when addressing behaviour outdoors.
- Use positive language, redirection, and reinforcement to support emotional regulation.
- Respond to challenging behaviours calmly and respectfully without labels.
- Support group management during hikes, outdoor play, and nature activities.

**Maintain a Safe and Healthy Outdoor Environment**
- Follow licensing, safety, and risk-management procedures specific to outdoor learning.
- Monitor the outdoor environment for hazards and address or report concerns immediately.
- Supervise children at all times during exploration, meals/snacks, transitions, and rest breaks.
- Follow all procedures for illness, injury, first aid, and emergency response.
- Stay informed about children’s allergies, special conditions, and individual needs.
- Ensure children are released only to authorized individuals.

**Ensure Positive Communication and Teamwork**
- Communicate professionally and consistently with staff and families.
- Collaborate with the Nature School team to maintain smooth operations and continuity of care.
- Maintain reliability, punctuality, and consistency each Friday.

**Contribute to Program and Centre Operations**
- Follow all licensing standards, centre policies, and Nature School procedures.
- Attend staff meetings or required trainings when scheduled.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff.
- Participate in professional development related to nature-based learning as approved.

**Qualifications and Competencies**
- Training, diplomas, or certificates related to early childhood development.
- Early Childhood Educator License to Practice (ECE or ECEA).
- Minimum 2-3 years’ experience in licensed child care; outdoor/nature program experience an asset.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Friendly, approachable, and collaborative team member.
- Ability to adapt to changing outdoor environments and support a variety of activities.
- Current First Aid & CPR certification.
- Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector Search.

**Job Type**: Part-time

Pay: $26.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 8 per week

Work Location: In person