CAMP COUNSELOR
About our program:
At Northeast LA Forest School we seek to reverse the "indoorification of childhood" by providing real life, inquiry based explorations in nature. Children will be able to indulge their curiosity, let it guide their explorations, and build their scientific thinking through trial-and-error style play. Early literacy and math skills can be seen throughout our meaningful play. Our group play requires empathy, listening skills, and learning different forms of conflict resolution thus building social-emotional skills. Through play our children begin to discover their sense of self and others. Our group circle times are a time for reflection and conversation about our daily adventures. In addition to explorations, our daily structure allows for snacks and lunch, songs, and diving into a few good books.
Description of Position:
Camp counselors are responsible for supporting associate & lead teachers in facilitating the application of an age-appropriate, nature-based, emergent curriculum for 2-5.5 year olds enrolled in a 100% outdoor, urban forest school.
Teachers must model a healthy relationship with and curiosity for the natural world.
This position reports to Director Becca Hackett-Levy.
Key Responsibilities (All Associate Teachers)
• Frequent communication with the lead teacher and the director including, but not limited to, daily check-ins, weekly meetings, and ability to respond to phone calls emails and texts within the same day.
• Assist the lead teacher in writing daily classroom reports, tracking incidents, and recording medical care for small injuries.
• Partner with lead teacher to create age-differentiated provocations and experiences that actively engage children’s social, cognitive, and emotional growth. Small group and large group times are both necessary.
• Facilitate a nap or rest time for Nest students.
• Follow Northeast LA Forest School pedagogy, language, child conflict resolution methods, and educational methodology as provided in staff handbook.
• Be ready to learn, prepare, and perform as part of a team, our program’s Disaster Resilience plan. (training provided)
• Ensure classroom, bathroom, and teacher supplies are kept stocked daily.
• Model appropriate Northeast LA Forest School teacher language in the classroom.
• Engage in daily song with students from the Northeast LA Forest School play list.
• Partner with lead teacher and morning class teachers to maintain frequent communications with parents through informal check in at pick-up. Director must be CC’d on all emails with the full class and individual parents.
• Maintain appropriate hygiene and cleanliness standards, safety, and security of children.
• Promptly attend to children’s diapering and bath-rooming needs.
• Facilitate daily activities such as arrival, welcome circle and songs, snacks, lunch, storytelling, and dismissal etc.
• Follow the daily classroom “schedule” provided by Northeast LA Forest School
• Ensure classroom has daily supply of both potable and play water. Containers provided by school.
• Adhere to any and all current and future CoVid-19 Health and Safety Policies.
Nest-Specific Responsibilities
• Facilitate nap time and/or rest time for all Nest students
• Set up and break down for afternoon class
• Adhere to afternoon schedule ensuring smooth transitions and creating a comforting routine for worn out children
• Communicate material needs for curriculum to Director often using daily report
• Adhere to curriculum created with fellow Nest educators and director
Physical Requirements
• Must be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Must be comfortable getting dirty, able to sit on the ground.
• Must be comfortable with occasional handling of bugs and other small living things.
• Must be able to crouch, dance, dig, carry a backpack, climb, hike, and carry up to 40lbs.
Weekly Work Requirements Part-Time
15 hr per week educators are required to be onsite 12-5p, 3 days per week (MWF) which includes end of say support for morning classes, Nest set up, class time, and Nest break down. Summer camp runs June 14-Aug 10, 2023. This is a temporary position, with the possibility of growth into a fall or school year position. Two weeks of training will be required prior to the start of camp (May 30-June 9)