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Program Description

Parks Plus Creation offers all-weather, outdoor, nature connection programs for children and families in San Francisco. Children are provided ample time and space to play and become immersed in nature, as they build their own unique connection to the land and its creatures. Under the canopy of Parks Plus Creation, there are several branches or program offerings including our forest school program Spire School which provides a space for children to explore nature with peers in three groups divided by age: Younger Group (ages 2-3), Older Group (ages 3-4), and TK Group (ages 4-5). Our summer camp programs, Coyote Camp (ages 3-6) and Coyote Scouts (ages 7-10) provides opportunities for children to play and explore in nature with peers, while they learn about each other and the land. 

Educators model care and connection using intentional practices to guide holistic development, and encourage children’s innate curiosity and wonder. A typical day will include stories and songs, hiking adventures, discoveries, and building friendships, while we share our abundant gratitude for nature.

What You’ll Do

You’ll work side by side with fellow ParksPlus educators to facilitate an emergent curriculum, based on the interest of the children between the ages of 2-6 years old for Spire School, or 3-10 years old for Coyote Camp. You may have the opportunity to work with all age groups and will move between groups where support is needed, depending on the position. You’ll guide the children to strengthen their land stewardship, their conflict resolution skills, and cultivate a sense of community using nurturing care, and intentional language that focuses on social and emotional development. 

What Thus Looks Like:

• Storytelling & Curriculum Facilitation

  • Facilitate activities that promote physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development, such as games, open-ended art projects, music, storytelling, and nature observations.

  • Steward an interactive relationship with nature as a guide for children’s learning and imaginative play while cultivating a relationship that honors the land and its resources.

  • Support children's innate creativity by asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging the opportunity to explore and wonder 

• Collaboration

  • Arrive to work prepared for the day, with time to check in with your teaching team about the day’s schedule and activities. 

  • Conduct daily site checks to ensure a safe, hazard-free, environment; support children to follow established play boundaries, support problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

  • Support intentional, caring separation from a child's care provider(s) during the drop-off time, welcome children into the learning space, and help place their backpacks in the designated location

  • Assist in bathroom needs of children when necessary

• Communication

  • Document the day’s learning and discoveries; share observations and reflections with your teaching team, parent/guardians

  • Exchange ideas, questions, and innovations with fellow educators and program

What You’ll Need:

• To enjoy spending time outdoors in all weather conditions

• To feel comfortable in a fully outdoor setting

• Experience with children ages 2-6 years old which could include any combination of ECE/Child Development credits, learning, and/or lived experiences

• Creative problem-solving and observation skills

• Experience cultivating relationships/interpersonal skills with children and adults

• Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination

• Willing to complete Adult, Pediatric CPR, First Aid, AED Training course*

• Willing to complete Live Scan, and background check clearance*

*Parks Plus Creation will help you obtain and reimburse for courses, certificates, required background checks, etc.

Compensation

$23-$25/hour depending on the position; benefits may include: paid sick/personal days, paid vacation days, and the opportunity to be part of a movement connecting children to nature, and to grow with our unique forest school program!

Please send a cover letter, resumé, or any other supporting documents/videos/certificates to share your story as an educator to: parkspluscreation@gmail.com. You'll then receive an email with instructions to schedule a virtual interview.