Jobs and Professional Development
Outdoor Early Childhood Educators (Lead Teacher & Associate Teacher)
Northeast LA Forest School
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation: $21.00–$28.00 per hour, depending on qualifications, experience, and role placement.
Eligible regular employees receive:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance with 70% of premiums paid by the employer
Paid sick leave
Paid holidays
Paid two-week summer break
Professional development stipend
Ongoing mentorship, coaching, and training
Opportunities for leadership and career growth
Supportive, collaborative work environment
Meaningful work connecting children to nature every day
What We Expect From Our Educators
Successful educators at Northeast LA Forest School are:
Passionate about nature-based and play-based learning
Reliable, organized, and professional
Comfortable spending the entire workday outdoors in all seasons
Skilled communicators who collaborate effectively with children, families, and colleagues
Flexible and adaptable in changing outdoor environments
Reflective practitioners committed to continuous growth
Team players who contribute to a positive school culture
Enthusiastic about fostering curiosity, resilience, independence, and a deep connection to the natural world
About Northeast LA Forest School
Northeast LA Forest School is a fully outdoor early childhood program serving children ages 2 to 6.5 years old. Through emergent, play-based, and nature-centered learning, we foster curiosity, confidence, problem-solving, and meaningful relationships with the natural world.
We are seeking passionate educators to join our teaching team as either Lead Teachers or Associate Teachers. Both roles work directly with children in a fully outdoor classroom environment and help create engaging learning experiences rooted in exploration, play, and connection.
Position Summary
Teachers are responsible for supporting the development and implementation of an age-appropriate emergent curriculum in a fully outdoor setting. Educators foster children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while maintaining a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
Lead Teachers additionally provide curriculum leadership, mentor Associate Teachers, and serve as primary educational contacts for families.
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Learning
Implement an emergent, play-based curriculum aligned with Northeast LA Forest School's philosophy
Facilitate age-appropriate experiences that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development
Integrate nature-based learning into storytelling, songs, group meetings, investigations, and outdoor exploration
Follow established classroom routines and schedules
Support children's curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and connection to nature
Child Supervision & Care
Ensure the health, safety, hygiene, and emotional well-being of all children
Support diapering, toileting, handwashing, and self-help skills as needed
Monitor and document injuries, incidents, and medical care according to school procedures
Maintain adequate drinking and play water supplies throughout the day
Support positive behavior guidance and conflict resolution
Collaboration & Communication
Maintain consistent communication with the Director and teaching team
Participate in daily check-ins and regular staff meetings
Respond to school communications in a timely manner
Build positive relationships with families through daily conversations and professional communication
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure a cohesive classroom experience
Classroom & Program Operations
Maintain organized, clean, and safe classroom and bathroom areas
Restock supplies and support classroom organization
Assist with implementation of health, safety, and emergency preparedness procedures
Support documentation, reports, and school operations as assigned
Additional Lead Teacher Responsibilities
Lead Teachers also:
Develop and document weekly curriculum plans
Lead curriculum meetings and long-term investigations
Complete developmental observations and assessments twice annually
Write daily reports and classroom communications
Mentor and support Associate Teachers
Lead parent-teacher conferences
Collaborate with families and administration regarding child development and support plans
Qualifications
Associate Teacher Qualifications
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Environmental Education, or a related field
2–3 years of experience in an early childhood education setting
Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification
Experience in outdoor education, forest schools, or nature-based learning preferred
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Ability to pass required background checks
Lead Teacher Qualifications
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Environmental Education, or a related field
Minimum of 5 years of professional early childhood teaching experience
Minimum 12 ECE units (California) or equivalent coursework
Current Pediatric CPR/First Aid certification
Experience in outdoor education, forest schools, or nature-based learning preferred
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Ability to pass required background checks
Preferred Qualifications for All Applicants
Familiarity with emergent curriculum and child-led learning
Experience with Reggio Emilia-inspired practices
Strong organizational and communication skills
Passion for outdoor education and environmental stewardship
Work Environment
This position is based entirely outdoors and requires comfort working in natural environments throughout the year.
Teachers should be comfortable with:
Daily exposure to sun, rain, wind, cold, and heat
Working on uneven terrain including trails, hills, wooded areas, and natural play spaces
Exposure to dirt, mud, insects, plants, and seasonal allergens
Limited access to traditional indoor facilities during the school day
Adjusting plans and activities based on weather conditions and children's interests
Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Candidates must be able to:
Walk and hike on uneven terrain multiple times daily
Crouch, kneel, sit on the ground, and actively engage with children at their level
Remain physically active outdoors for 6–8 hours per day
Lift and carry up to 60 pounds occasionally
Regularly lift and carry 20–45 pounds of supplies and equipment
Push and pull loaded wagons and outdoor equipment
Load and unload classroom materials from vehicles and storage areas
Maintain visual and auditory awareness necessary for child supervision
Communicate clearly in dynamic outdoor environments
Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties may change based on business needs.
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Overtime eligibility: Yes, in accordance with California law.
Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon:
Successful completion of a background check and fingerprinting
TB clearance in accordance with California Community Care Licensing regulations
Verification of required certifications and qualifications
Equal Opportunity Employer
Northeast LA Forest School is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your experience with young children, outdoor education, and what draws you to nature-based learning.
Submit to Admin@nelaforestschool.com and Director@nelaforestschool.com
Professional development
Our school is year round with seasonal breaks which leaves plenty of time for observations, meeting with our Director Becca, and group trainings. We also offer internships based on availability. If you are interested in learning more or just want to chat Forest Kindergarten pedagogy, please email us!
H in his element.