Outdoor Classroom & Garden Specialist

Position Overview

The Early Learning School is seeking a dynamic, creative, and nurturing Outdoor Classroom & Garden Specialist to lead nature-rich, child-centered learning experiences in our outdoor environment and school garden. Rooted in a constructivist, play-based approach, this role supports children 6 weeks to 5 years old in exploring the natural world, engaging in meaningful work, and deepening their understanding through hands-on inquiry.

The ideal candidate brings experience in early childhood education, a love for the outdoors, and a commitment to emergent curriculum and sustainable practices. While holding the belief that children are strong and competent individuals. This position requires a motivated self-starter who thrives off of the fascination children find in exploring different ideas and concepts through new means. This position is supported and supervised by the Director of the Early Learning School.

As an ELS Specialist, you will become an integral member of the educational community here at the JCC, providing cutting-edge education while aligning with Jewish values and focusing on the seven Jewish lenses as well as the Sheva Framework. This position has two primary focuses: providing learning in the specialty area as well as providing support in classrooms as needed around the school. This specialist needs to be comfortable and well versed in creating developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children 0 – 5 years old as well as supporting classrooms as needed for the functionality of the school (ex: during teacher breaks, filling in for teacher absences, etc.)

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum & Instruction

• Design and implement developmentally appropriate outdoor and garden-based experiences that reflect children’s interests and support constructivist learning.
• Facilitate activities such as planting, harvesting, composting, nature walks, and seasonal studies (tikkun olam focused) that connect to classroom inquiries.
• Encourage sensory exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration through open-ended play and purposeful work in the natural environment.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to integrate garden and outdoor experiences into broader classroom projects.

Environment & Materials

• Maintain an inviting, safe, and sustainable outdoor classroom and garden space that fosters wonder, agency, and connection to the environment all year long.
• Source, rotate, and care for natural and open-ended materials that provoke curiosity and support emergent investigations.
• Model and teach stewardship of the land, living things, and natural resources.
• Maintain a small annual material budget for supplies for this specialty area.

Observation & Documentation

• Observe, reflect, and document children's learning and discoveries through notes, photographs, and displays.
• Share documentation with families and staff to highlight learning, inform planning, and make children's thinking visible.

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Serve as a resource to educators, supporting outdoor and garden integration across all age groups.
• Involve children and families in garden care and seasonal events, building community and ownership.
• Communicate regularly with families about outdoor learning through blogs, or on-site experiences.
• Communicate regularly with the ELS Administrative Team, including all concerns regarding a child’s progress. 
• Participate in ELS staff meetings and professional development.
• Attend school-wide and class events such as picnics, parties, parent meetings and other special events.

Health, Safety, & Risk Management

• Supervise children in the outdoor classroom and garden, ensuring physical and emotional safety.
• Conduct regular inspections of tools, materials, and natural areas; address hazards and model safe risk-taking.
• Ensure compliance with health and licensing standards in outdoor and shared spaces. Ensure all curriculum is deemed safe per Colorado State Licensing Standards for preschools.
• Knowledge of, and respect, for the rules and regulations of the Staenberg Loup Jewish Community Center including the Employee Handbook and the ability to abide by them.

Basic Qualifications

• Early Childhood Lead Teacher Credential (Minimum - Level II in PDIS)
• Experience working with young children in outdoor and/or garden-based settings.
• Strong understanding of constructivist education and child development.

• Ability to work in various weather conditions and manage the physical demands of outdoor work.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Proficiency in MS Outlook.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, Environmental Education, Horticulture, or related field.
• Knowledge of a constructivist approach to learning and/or emergent curricula.
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Forest School, or nature-based early childhood programs.
• Knowledge of urban agriculture, composting, pollinator-friendly gardening, or permaculture.
• Experience with documentation tools (e.g., Learning Stories, digital portfolios).

Professional Development

• Work towards increasing knowledge and abilities in the field of early childhood education and related topics through attendance at workshops and courses, reading books or periodicals, or other means.
• Attend monthly staff meetings/professional development sessions. 
• Week long professional development is provided to teachers before the start of the new school year. This PD can be used towards PDIS credentials.

• Knowledge of, and respect, for the rules and regulations of the Staenberg Loup Jewish Community Center including the Employee Handbook and the ability to abide by them.

Benefits Overview

This full-time position is benefits-eligible. The JCC contributes a portion of medical, dental and vision plan premiums and pays for Basic Life Insurance & AD&D, Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability. There are additional voluntary benefit plans available. The JCC has a 401(K) Plan available for elective deferral contributions for employees over 21 years of age, with no waiting period. Paid Time Off is a day-one benefit, accrued based on years of service and in compliance with the Colorado Healthy Families & Workplaces Act.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This position requires the candidate to be able to care for children’s physical needs on a consistent basis.  Candidates must be able to interact with children on their level; frequent bending, squatting and playing on the floor is expected.  Candidate will be working in both indoor and outdoor classroom settings. Candidate must be able to lift 30 pounds.  Candidate must remain alert and productive.  Children and teachers move about the building to engage in weekly specials such as music, Judaics, or swimming lessons.  The ideal candidate is able to be flexible with routines, and willing to engage in the overall community at the JCC. 

Additional Notes

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the incumbent will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the supervisor or other management as required. The JCC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

The Jewish Community Center values diversity and inclusiveness and is an equal-opportunity employer.