Preschool Lead Teacher

Position :

Preschool Lead Teacher

Location :

Cairn Hill Nature Preschool at Camp Fire North Shore, Massachusetts

Reports to : Preschool Director

Salary

$50,000

Position Summary :

At Cairn Hill Nature Preschool, we believe in nurturing the whole child—head, heart, and hands—through a Waldorf-inspired curriculum integrated with nature-based experiences. We're seeking a warm, creative, and collaborative teacher to join our vibrant team and guide our youngest learners through meaningful, play-based, and outdoor-rich learning.

Key Responsibilities :

Curriculum & Planning

Partner with the Preschool Director and colleagues to thoughtfully implement the Cairn Hill Curriculum, weaving together Waldorf early childhood practices with nature education and aligning with Massachusetts early learning standards.

Develop weekly and daily lesson plans inspired by seasonal rhythms, nature exploration, and children's emerging interests, with support from the Cairn Hill Curriculum Guide and team input.

Maintain a harmonious balance of Waldorf-inspired activities (circle time, stories, songs, art, music) alongside nature, sensory exploration, and age-appropriate literacy, math, and STEM experiences.

Child-Centered Support

Build strong, respectful relationships with each child and their family, honoring each child's background, developmental journey, and unique needs.

Conduct regular observations and informal assessments to support individual growth; refer families to additional resources when needed.

Encourage the development of fine and gross motor skills, self-help skills, and social-emotional confidence through both indoor and outdoor activities.

Nature Engagement

Enthusiastically lead children in exploring nature—rain, snow, or sunshine—exploring the surrounding woods and fostering a deep love and respect for the natural world.

Comfortably spend extended periods outdoors, ensuring children are safe, engaged, and dressed appropriately for the weather.

Supervise children closely to promote safe exploration on trails and during nature-based play.

Community & Communication

Use positive, respectful guidance and communication to support children's social and emotional development.

Foster a warm, inclusive classroom community where children and families feel valued and welcomed.

Maintain open communication with families, including regular updates, informal conversations, and a weekly newsletter prepared during rest time on Fridays.

Classroom Environment & Operations

Participate in the thoughtful arrangement of the classroom, creating inviting, clutter-free, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that reflect Waldorf principles.

Support the upkeep and care of both indoor and outdoor learning environments, including gardens and natural play areas.

Contribute to the planning and celebration of seasonal festivals and community events (approximately four per year).

Attend all staff meetings, open houses (at least two annually), and occasional outreach events to share our mission with prospective families.

Engage in continuous professional development as required by EEC and in alignment with the Cairn Hill Curriculum Guide.

Professionalism & Growth

Collaborate with the Preschool Director to set and work toward three annual professional goals.

Participate in a review process that includes quarterly and annual review meetings to reflect on accomplishments and areas for growth.

Maintain current EEC certification and uphold the values, professionalism, and philosophies of Cairn Hill Nature Preschool.

Required Skills :

Certification in First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain).

Strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

Clear and effective oral and written communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills to manage classroom rhythms, documentation, and communications.

Commitment to ethical practices, collaboration, and a team-oriented approach.

Qualifications & Experience :

Meets EEC licensing requirements to teach preschool.

Holds (or willing to obtain) First Aid and CPR certification.

Experience in or commitment to nature-based and Waldorf-inspired early childhood education.

Benefits

3 weeks vacation annually that aligns with school vacations (February, April and a week in July)

10 paid sick days

2 personal days

13 holidays and 1 week of holiday pay between Christmas and New Year's

403 (B) plan with employer contribution

Health and Dental Insurance

If interested in applying send an email with your resume and cover letter to ktrickett@campfirenorthshore.org with this subject : Preschool Lead Teacher

Equity Statement

We promote a diverse community that begins with removing barriers and fostering individual potential. That is why Camp Fire North Shore is driven by a mission to provide safe and inclusive out of school programming that empowers our youth and staff to thrive. We believe that access to inclusive and affordable programs is a right that transcends a person's race, color, ancestry, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, citizenship, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. We seek to promote an organizational structure that reflects the communities that we serve and an environment that appreciates the difference of every person.

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background. That is why Camp Fire North Shore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that seeks and employs people with skill and talent with the highest standards of fairness, covering all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruitment and employment, promotions, compensation, team opportunities, and training programs. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all people. We welcome and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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