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

Apply for Nature Preschool Director

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, Sherborn, and Natick. 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 through Universal PreK.  

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Nature Preschool Director to oversee and support the operations of our preschool program at BOPN's Arnold Arboretum location. This role includes providing ongoing instructional coaching, professional development, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and educational practices. The start date is flexible, and the position is ideal for an individual passionate about nature-based learning and community building.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preschool Program Operations:
• Coordinate logistics for daily operations at BOPN's Arnold Arboretum.
• Serve as the main point of contact for teachers, families, and site partners, addressing issues as they arise.
• Foster positive communication between families and staff, addressing urgent concerns immediately and non-urgent matters within 24-48 hours.
• Coach and support classroom teachers on emergent curriculum development, health and safety protocols, effective communication with families, EEC policies, and professional development opportunities.
• Address grievances and model effective behavior guidance strategies. Step in to support teachers when needed.
• Conduct monthly teacher observations and annual performance evaluations.
• Collaborate with fellow BOPN Directors to assess professional development needs and coordinate team training.
• Assist with teacher hiring and provide feedback on staff placements.
• Oversee the training and orientation of new staff members, supporting the mentoring of interns and volunteers.
• Ensure staff adherence to site partner policies and foster strong partnerships.
• Assist with organizing community events to promote the BOPN brand.
• Support admissions by hosting site tours and providing feedback on class assignments, transitions, and enrollments.
• Manage site resources and approve purchase orders within budget constraints.
• Substitute teach when necessary.

Qualifications:

• Required:
• EEC Director I or Director II Certification.
• Proven experience in early childhood program administration, including staff supervision and parent communication.
• Excellent classroom management skills and experience fostering nature connections.
• Strong communication skills with both parents and staff.
• Ability to implement high-quality practices through intentional teacher-child interactions.
• Positive, strengths-based approach to working with teaching teams.
• Ability to provide educators with resources and support.
• Strong leadership qualities, with demonstrated performance in all BOPN leadership criteria.
• Excellent time management skills to balance coaching and program coordination.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including families, teachers, and external partners.
• Problem-solving and adaptability in changing circumstances.
• Ability to work independently and effectively with team members.
• Willingness to travel between BOPN sites as needed.
• Comfortable hiking across varied terrain in different weather conditions.
• Experience with anti-bias education.
• Comfort working in a nonprofit start-up culture and openness to change and adaptability.
• Preferred:
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Additional Information:

• Hiring Process:
• Rolling applications—please apply as soon as possible.
• Successful reference and background checks are required.
• BOPN encourages applications from individuals who will add to our diverse community.

About BOPN:

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating a more accessible and equitable future for children through nature-based early education.

We look forward to receiving your application and exploring how you can contribute to our mission of providing nature-based early childhood education to children across Boston!