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Forest School Facilitator
Overview
Position Summary: FortWhyte Alive is looking to grow our Forest School team of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their appreciation of nature with preschool children. FortWhyte Forest School is an outdoor, all-weather program for preschoolers (3.5-5 years old) that runs year round. The Forest School Facilitator will provide supervision and guidance for preschool-aged children that supports place, inquiry, and play-based learning through child inspired activities.
Key Responsibilities:
Carrying out site safety assessments and documenting accordingly
Contribute ideas as an efficient member of the Forest School team by planning programs, researching, providing artifacts and literature to create immersive experiences for the participants.
Incorporate Indigenous teachings, principals and resources as a part of FortWhyte Alive’s reconciliation plan
Provide guidance and ongoing training for the volunteers that support Forest School
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
Carry out 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
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 on a weekly basis for the caregivers of participants to provide an invaluable insight in to that weeks teachings
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)
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Qualifications:
Early Childhood Education Diploma, or equivalent experience, required
Forest School Practitioner Certificate preferred
Must be familiar with and abide by Forest School Canada’s principles and guidelines for Forest and Nature Schools
Minimum 1 year experience working with preschool children (3-5 years old)
Successful Police Information Check with Vulerable 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 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