Nature-Based Preschool Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

About This Role

Mountain Sprouts Children's Community is a nature-based early learning program in Leavenworth, WA. This position is for a part-time morning teacher at the Willow nature-immersion program. The Assistant Teacher partners with the Lead Teachers to cultivate a safe and engaging outdoor learning environment for children ages 3 - 7 years old, preschool through 1st grade. Guided by The Cedarsong Way and Mountain Sprouts’ unique nature-based philosophy, the Assistant Teacher supports child-led, emergent learning through meaningful relationships, observation, play, and exploration. The Assistant Teacher co-facilitates daily experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, resilience, social-emotional growth, and a lifelong connection to the natural world. This role requires flexibility, sound judgment, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace the changing rhythms of outdoor education in every season.

What You'll Do

Child Guidance & Learning

• Foster a physically and emotionally safe environment where children are respected as capable, competent learners.
• Support the Lead Teacher in implementing an emergent, inquiry-based curriculum inspired by children's interests, seasonal changes, and the local environment.
• Engage alongside children as a mentor, guide, and co-learner, encouraging curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and responsible risk-taking.
• Observe children's play and development, contributing to documentation, assessment, and individualized learning goals.
• Encourage independence, cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution using positive guidance.
• Adapt activities/routines to meet the developmental needs, interests, and energy of the group.

Outdoor Learning & Stewardship

• Model respect, stewardship, and appreciation for the natural world.
• Help create meaningful outdoor learning experiences in all weather conditions.
• Support children in developing comfort, confidence, and resilience through daily experiences.
• Conduct ongoing risk-benefit assessments to balance children's opportunities for exploration with their health and safety.

Family & Community Relationships

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with families.
• Share daily experiences with families through positive, professional communication.
• Represent the program's philosophy and values with warmth, integrity, and professionalism.

Classroom & Program Support

• Assist in preparing learning environments, materials, and outdoor spaces.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe indoor and outdoor learning environments, including bathrooms, storage areas, and shared program spaces.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and ongoing learning related to nature-based early childhood education.
• Follow all program policies, WA State licensing regulations, and health and safety procedures.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrates warmth, professionalism, and a genuine respect for young children.
• Demonstrates an appreciation for outdoor learning and a willingness to work in all weather.

Required Upon Hire

• First Aid and adult/child CPR certification.
• HIV/AIDS and Bloodborne Pathogens training.
• Negative TB screening.
• Successful criminal background check and fingerprint clearance through DCYF.
• Completion of required STARS training within six months of hire.
• Washington State Food Worker Card.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in early childhood education, preschool, childcare, or outdoor education.
• Degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Familiarity with nature-based, forest school, Reggio Emilia, or experiential education models.
• Experience facilitating creative arts, music, movement, storytelling, science, or nature exploration.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to support emergent curriculum.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a supportive teaching team.

Benefits

• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Assistance
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Accrued paid time off in addition to paid holidays & closures and sick time;
• Paid orientation, training, and continuing education including the opportunity to enroll in Wenatchee Valley College’s ECE program with Early Achievers funding;
• Health Expense Reimbursement program for eligible health care expenses;
• Access to discounted medical, dental, vision, and other coverage exclusively designed for early childhood professionals;
• Enrollment in SIMPLE IRA retirement savings with an employer contribution and no required employee contribution.
• Tuition discount for children enrolled at Mountain Sprouts;
• End of year and holiday bonuses;
• Assistance acquiring high-quality outdoor gear.

Why teachers love working here: Staff always work on a team with low teacher:child rations, 1:6. They get to spend the majority of their day outside reaping the benefits of nature-immersion alongside their students. We generally have fun together at work and during meetings. We also buy good coffee and have the most delicious potlucks.