Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc. Forest Days Assistant Teacher Jamaica Plain, MA · Part time Company website

Apply for Forest Days Assistant Teacher

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, nature-based early childhood education across Greater Boston. We partner with public parks, historic sites, and cultural institutions to offer immersive, outdoor preschool programs that support the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. What sets BOPN apart is our belief that nature is not just a backdrop for learning, but a powerful teacher. Our classrooms are forests, fields, and parklands, where children build curiosity, resilience, empathy, and a lasting connection to the natural world through play-based, child-centered experiences. We are deeply committed to expanding access to outdoor education and fostering inclusive learning environments for children and families from diverse communities. As an organization, we value collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous learning. We strive to support our educators and staff with meaningful professional development, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and early childhood education.

About Forest Days

Forest Days is a nature-based learning program that provides young children with regular, immersive outdoor experiences that support curiosity, resilience, social-emotional growth, and environmental stewardship. The program partners with educators and school communities to create meaningful, child-led exploration in natural settings.

Key Responsibilities

Program Support

• Support the Forest Days Leader in the daily operations of the program.
• Assist in supervising volunteers and interns during program activities as directed.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and mission-aligned team culture.
• Support school-based educators as they build confidence in outdoor learning practices.

Communication & Coordination

• Assist the Forest Days Leader in maintaining communication with teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff.
• Serve as a point of contact for volunteers and interns regarding day-to-day logistics.
• Help share program updates and documentation with families, including photos (with permission).

Logistics & Materials

• Help prepare and organize teacher packets and program materials.
• Assist with managing supply inventory, including wagons, activity materials, storage bins, and children's outdoor gear.
• Help ensure materials are prepared, organized, and accessible for daily use.
• Follow site-specific rules and guidelines (e.g., Arnold Arboretum policies).

Outdoor Education & Child Experience

• Facilitate and support child-led play, exploration, and inquiry in natural environments.
• Help create safe, engaging outdoor learning experiences that promote curiosity and problem-solving.
• Support children's social-emotional development through responsive guidance and relationship-building.
• Support children's health, safety, and well-being outdoors, including weather preparedness.
• Model environmental stewardship, outdoor safety, and respect for natural spaces.
• Document children's learning and growth through photos, narratives, and reflective documentation.

Documentation, Safety & Compliance

• Help track and maintain documentation related to volunteer onboarding and participation.
• Support attendance records and safe transitions during programming.
• Follow all safety protocols, including supervision practices and risk management procedures.
• Support emergency preparedness procedures and drills.
• Help maintain first aid kits and required safety supplies.
• Support completion and organization of child records and required documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in outdoor, early childhood, or nature-based education settings.
• Understanding of child development and social-emotional learning.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with children, families, educators, and community partners.
• Passion for outdoor education and willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk long distances and navigate uneven terrain (trails, grass, mud, snow).
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, squatting, lifting, and carrying program materials (up to 50 lbs).

Conditions of Employment

• Must successfully complete required Background Record Check (BRC).
• Must maintain or obtain First Aid/CPR certification as required.
• Must complete EEC Essentials training and any required refresher training.
• Must comply with all applicable EEC regulations, including health, safety, supervision, sanitation, and recordkeeping requirements.

This role blends direct work with children with hands-on program support. Success in this position requires flexibility, initiative, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a small outdoor team. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support program operations.

Position Type: Part-Time, Hourly (15–20 hours/week)

Contingencies of Employment

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required background checks (including those required by EEC regulations), reference checks, verification of credentials and qualifications, and any other pre-employment requirements applicable to the position.

At Will Employment

Employment with BOPN will be on an “at will” basis, meaning that either you or BOPN may terminate your employment at any time. BOPN also reserves the right to modify or amend the terms of your employment at any time for any reason. Although your job duties, title, compensation, as well as BOPN’s personnel policies and procedures may change from time to time, the “at will” nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you or your representative and BOPN’s leadership.

Equal Opportunity Employer

BOPN is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin (including hairstyles associated with those groups), religion or religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, mental illness, genetic information or genetic test results, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Massachusetts Lie Detector Notice

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.