Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc. Nature Preschool Director Jamaica Plain, MA · Full time Company website

Apply for Nature Preschool 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.

Site Director

Position Overview

The Site Director provides on-site leadership for a high-quality, nature-based early childhood program. This role is responsible for supervising teaching staff, ensuring full compliance with EEC regulations, and maintaining a safe, engaging, and well-run program.

The Site Director serves as the primary point of contact for families, site partners, and organizational leadership, and plays a key role in fostering a professional, collaborative, and mission-aligned team culture.

Key Responsibilities

Staff Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise, support, and evaluate all teaching staff at the site
• Set clear expectations and hold staff accountable for performance, professionalism, and compliance
• Conduct regular observations and provide timely, actionable feedback
• Complete annual performance evaluations and address performance concerns as needed
• Mentor and coach educators to strengthen teaching practice and alignment with BOPN’s philosophy
• Lead site-based staff meetings and orientations
• Support and oversee interns, student workers, and volunteers

Licensing & Compliance (EEC)

• Ensure full compliance with EEC regulations (606 CMR 7.00) at all times
• Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and qualified coverage throughout the day
• Oversee required staff trainings, certifications, and documentation (First Aid/CPR, mandated reporter, EEC Essentials)
• Maintain licensing readiness, including accurate and up-to-date child and staff files
• Ensure all safety protocols, fire drills, and documentation are completed consistently and on schedule

Program Quality & Teaching

• Lead a high-quality, nature-based, play-centered program aligned with BOPN’s philosophy
• Support educators in creating engaging outdoor learning experiences
• Ensure consistent daily routines, safe environments, and strong classroom practices
• Step into classrooms as needed to maintain program continuity
• Oversee completion of child progress reports twice annually

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families at the site
• Support family communication, conferences, and orientations
• Partner with admissions on tours, enrollment, and transitions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with site partners
• Support community-building events and site-based programming

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure a safe environment for children across all outdoor settings and weather conditions
• Conduct daily safety checks and monthly fire drills
• Review and manage incident and injury reports in accordance with EEC requirements
• Communicate serious incidents to organizational leadership promptly

Operations & Site Management

• Oversee daily program operations, including staffing coverage and scheduling
• Manage site supplies, budgets, and purchasing within guidelines
• Maintain organized systems for documentation and record-keeping
• Ensure readiness for licensing visits and internal audits
• Coordinate field trips in partnership with leadership

Professional Development

• Participate in all required trainings, meetings, and professional development days
• Foster a culture of growth, reflection, and continuous improvement among staff

Qualifications

• EEC Director I or II Certification (required)
• Experience supervising staff in an early childhood setting
• Strong knowledge of EEC regulations and licensing requirements
• Experience with nature-based, outdoor, or experiential learning (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage operations, and hold accountability
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round
• Frequent walking on uneven terrain, bending, and squatting
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (children and equipment)

Additional Information

This role includes, but is not limited to, the responsibilities outlined above. Duties may evolve to meet the needs of the program.

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 opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, genetic test results, disability, political affiliation, military service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. THis is the most up to date list: to race, color, ancestry, national origin (including hairstyles related to those groups), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgendered status, religion or religious creed, age, pregnancy or related conditions, handicap (disability), mental illness, genetics, military or veteran status or any other protected class under 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.