Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc. Internship in Nature-Based Early Education Malden, MA · Milton, MA · Sudbury, MA · Sherborn, MA · Milton, MA · Jamaica Plain, MA · Intern Company website

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Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

Internship in Nature-based Early Education

Mission: 

The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while initiating them into a lifelong relationship with the natural world.  We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early childhood education.

What We Do: 

BOPN is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education. We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers.  Our programs combine early childhood and environmental education.  Our goals are to promote children’s physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility.

BOPN operates toddler and preschool programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sudbury, and Sherborn. We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early education through our equity programs, including our public school partnerships and by opening Boston’s first free nature preschool at the Franklin Park Zoo.

Overview:

We build joyful communities connected to each other and to their outdoor environments through discovery and play. We believe that children are intrinsically motivated to learn, and that they do so by exploring the world around them.  This is the right opportunity for an aspiring educator who enjoys teaching young children outdoors rain or shine.

A Day in the Life as an Intern:

As the sun peeks through the trees, the day begins with excited little explorers ready to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. Children touch the rough bark of trees, play in the soft moss, and discover the thrill of creating mud pies and nature art. Laughter fills the air as the children, led by their teacher, embark on journeys that foster connection—both with the natural world and each other. At BOPN, we believe these moments of joy and discovery are not just learning opportunities but memories that will last a lifetime.

Locations:

We are currently recruiting for interns at our toddler and preschool programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sudbury, and Sherborn.

Position Description:

• The schedule and focus are individualized to meet each intern’s professional goals and academic requirements
• Our most common internship schedule is 2-5 days a week Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (15 hours/week)
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Duties and Responsibilities:

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building community.  Learn about our nature-based and child-centered approach.
• Set goals for your internship with your supervisor and check in on a regular basis.
• Assist the Lead Teacher to ensure the health and safety of each child. 
• Assist the Lead Teacher to develop and implement an engaging nature-based early childhood curriculum that connects children with one another and to nature.
• Design and lead a project related to early childhood education, environmental education, and/or anti-bias education
• Explore varied terrain, learn about local flora and fauna, and make music and art
• Gracefully communicate with parents, caregivers, and the general public
• Assist the Lead Teacher to document the children’s growth and learning
• Attend an orientation and occasional professional development events related to nature-based early education
• Complete state-required fingerprinting and background checks in a timely manner 
• Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality 
• Related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in nature-based early childhood education
• Eager to learn about classroom management in an outdoor setting
• Engaging and easily able to communicate with children, families, and colleagues
• Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes
• Able to hike across varied terrain while carrying supplies, including on hot and rainy days

Additional Information:

• Please apply at your earliest convenience.
• Successful reference and background checks are required.
• Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.
• Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.