Summer Camp Head Teacher

Little Leaf is seeking a nature-loving early childhood educator to lead one of our summer camp classes this year!

Job title: Head Teacher, Summer Camp
Location: Hastings-on-Hudson, NY
Age group: Mixed-age (3-5 years old)

Who we are

Little Leaf is a play-based nature preschool that places the values of love, joy, and community at the center of everything we do. Little Leaf’s mission includes creating a learning environment that nurtures a child’s mind and body, and respects the wonder and magic of early childhood. We are dedicated to providing a daily experience that emphasizes play, social-emotional learning, and a connection to the natural world. Our approach is inspired by Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Forest Kindergartens, and Coyote Mentoring.

What you’ll do

The responsibilities of this position will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provide a nature-inspired developmentally appropriate program for 18 3-5 year olds. 
• Maintain a flexible yet consistent daily schedule and routine for the children.
• Organize class materials and set up daily artistic provocations.
• Supervise three assistant teachers and provide direct feedback and directives as needed.
• Provide emotional support to children during separation from parents at drop-off and throughout the day. 
• Ensure visual supervision and child safety at all times, and communicate with your team throughout the day about student:teacher ratios, student needs and behavior, etc.
• Observe and respond to children’s physical needs, including toileting and first-aid.
• Engage in ongoing and open communication with colleagues to ensure a community of trust and safety for all.
• Treat each child with dignity and respect, and approach all interactions with empathy and understanding.
• Create and organize a stimulating and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
• Establish regular communication with parents about special moments that happen throughout the day, and specific issues as they occur on a day-to-day basis.
• Lead planning meetings with your teaching team to prepare for each week of camp.
• Understand and balance the needs of children, parents, and colleagues.

Who you are

• Passionate about early childhood development and working with young children. 
• Comfortable with a team-based work structure and ability to demonstrate flexibility.
• A joyful disposition and community-minded attitude. 
• A deep appreciation for nature and respect for childhood, passion for gardening is helpful! 
• Has a sense of ownership of the program, and actively works to improve our community.
• Love of nature and being outdoors in all weather; respect and appreciation for all creatures, and a true appreciation for the need for children to get muddy, dirty and wet.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to apply feedback and try new things.

What is required

• BA in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience working with children ages 2-5 in a childcare setting.
• Ability to work an entire day outdoors in all weather, including very hot days and pouring rain.
• Must be available to work June 28th - August 14th.
• Must possess (or be willing to obtain) CPR / First Aid certification
• Three positive references that demonstrate your ability to lovingly work with children.
• General knowledge of our school philosophies, mission, and values (www.littleleafschool.com) 
• Proof of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
• A background check and state-mandated training
• Participation in a 2 hour pre-camp meeting
• Experience in outdoor education and/or a degree in the natural sciences is a plus.
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Hours & Compensation

• Pay is highly competitive and based on experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.

How to apply:

Email your resume to Julie Cramer at julie@littleleafschool.com. Please include the position you are applying for in the subject of your email.