Internship in Nature-based Early Education

Written By Lylah Molnar

Internship in Nature-based Early Education

Summer 2024

School Year 2024 - 2025

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.

Locations:

We are currently recruiting for summer and/or school year interns at our Boston, Milton, Malden, and metro-west locations.

Position Description:

  • Summer program runs June through August 

  • School year program runs September - June

  • The schedule and focus are individualized to meet each intern’s professional goals and academic requirements

  • Our most common internship schedule is Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (15 hours/week)

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 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 trainings 

  • 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

How to Apply:

Email your resume to hiring@bopn.org.

Additional Information:

  • Successful reference and background checks are required.

  • Candidates who add to our diverse community are encouraged to apply.

  • Please reach out to your college/university career center to inquire about summer internship funding and/or academic credit.  If you are a city of Boston resident age 24 or younger, we may be able to offer funding through SuccessLink youth employment program.

  • Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Lylah Molnar
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Fellowship in Nature-based Early Education