Key Responsibilities:

• Plan activities that support curiosity, play and inquiry-based learning through an emergent curriculum inspired by children’s interests and daily and seasonal changes in our natural environment
• Review spaces for learning and make recommendations to Manager regarding their enhancement using the framework written by Deitze & Kim
• Complete site safety assessments and document accordingly 
• Ensure the safety of all participants by being observant of environmental hazards, inappropriate or unsafe behavior, staying within the boundaries of play, and maintaining supervision of children at all times
• receive and integrate  ideas from other  members of the Forest School team by planning programs, researching, providing artifacts, and literature to create immersive experiences for the participants
• Incorporate Indigenous teachings, principles, and resources as a part of FortWhyte Alive’s reconciliation plan
• Lead Volunteer training and provide guidance and ongoing training for the volunteers that support Forest School
• Create safe spaces for participants to express their emotions and provide guidance and  strategies that promote positive child development 
• Participate in post-program debriefing sessions with other facilitators and volunteers
• Performing pedagogical documentation through Storypark on a weekly basis
• Provide families with appropriate feedback on their child’s development, behaviour and wellbeing. 
• Ensuring the participants are well-dressed for the weather and they are safe from potential environmental hazards in all seasons (ex. frostbite, sunburn, heat stroke)
• Take training needed to provide workshop professional development for other child care centers, schools, and educators
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Early Childhood Education Diploma, or equivalent experience, required
• Forest School Practitioner Certificate or equivalent experience, required
• Must be familiar with and abide by Forest School Canada’s principles and guidelines for Forest and Nature Schools
• Minimum 1 year experience working outdoors with children (2-10 years old)
• Successful Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registry Check 
• Physically able to work in all weather conditions (rain, heat, cold) and able to walk long distances over uneven terrain, carry a backpack, and perform light lifting duties
• Able to carry out education duties with enthusiasm regardless of weather conditions
• Understand the value of risky play, emergent learning philosophies and child-led play/place-based learning
• Standard, Remote or Wilderness First Aid considered an asset (training will be provided upon hire)
• Experience in outdoor education, biology, natural resources considered an asset