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

Apply for Forest Days Director

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 Management & Leadership

• Coordinate all components of the Forest Days program to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supervise and support Forest Days Assistant Teacher(s), including delegation of responsibilities, feedback, and ongoing guidance.
• Oversee volunteers and interns, ensuring they are effectively integrated into program activities.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and mission-aligned team culture.
• Encourage increasing independence and confidence among school-based educators in outdoor learning practices.

Program Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the primary liaison between partner schools and the Forest Days program.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication with principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff.
• Act as the main point of contact for volunteers, interns, and school personnel regarding program logistics and expectations.
• Collaborate with the Program Developer and Department of Early Childhood to align activities with curriculum priorities (e.g., Focus on PreK).
• Share program updates, documentation, and logistical information with families, including photo permissions and program communication.

Training, Orientation & Onboarding

• Plan, schedule, and lead trainings and orientations for teachers, paraprofessionals, and school staff.
• Develop and distribute orientation materials, reference guides, and ongoing support resources.
• Oversee onboarding for volunteers and interns, including:
• Communicating expectations and program procedures
• Conducting site walk-throughs
• Providing logistical guidance and support
• Serving as a point of contact for questions and troubleshooting

Logistics & Resource Management

• Coordinate Forest Days scheduling with school staff and administrators.
• Prepare and distribute teacher packets and program materials.
• Manage supply inventory, including wagons, activity materials, storage bins, and children’s outdoor gear (outerwear, boots, etc.).
• Ensure all materials are prepared, organized, and accessible for daily program use.
• Maintain systems and documentation that support program continuity and future implementation.
• Ensure adherence to 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.
• Create safe, engaging outdoor learning experiences that promote curiosity, problem-solving, and connection to nature.
• Support children’s social-emotional development through responsive guidance and relationship-building.
• Partner with classroom teachers to support children’s health, safety, and well-being in outdoor settings, including weather preparedness and risk management.
• Model and teach environmental stewardship, outdoor safety, and respect for natural spaces.
• Document children’s learning, observations, and growth through photos, narratives, and reflective documentation.
• Integrate relevant curriculum concepts and vocabulary into outdoor experiences when appropriate.

Documentation, Safety & Compliance Systems

• Track and maintain documentation related to volunteer onboarding and participation.
• Record participation in staff trainings and orientations.
• Maintain attendance records and support safe transitions during programming.
• Ensure proper implementation of safety protocols, including supervision practices and risk management procedures.
• Coordinate and document safety-related procedures such as emergency preparedness and drills.
• Maintain first aid kits and ensure required safety supplies are stocked and accessible.
• Support completion and organization of child records and required program documentation.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in outdoor, early childhood, or nature-based education settings.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including supervising staff, volunteers, or teams.
• Strong understanding of child development and social-emotional learning.
• Experience in program coordination, logistics, or education operations preferred.
• 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 record-keeping requirements.

This role blends direct work with children, program leadership, and operational coordination. Success in this position requires flexibility, initiative, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic outdoor environment. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed to support program operations.

This role is estimated at 25 hours per week.

Forest Days Program runs for two ten week sessions in Fall and Spring, when Forest Days is not in session the Forest days Director will be working in our other site programs.

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.