We are seeking an enthusiastic and nurturing educator with a passion for nature, agriculture, and child development to serve as a Forest School Educator for our Kindergarten programs (for students ages 4 & 5).

Our program follows the Forest School philosophy and is play-based, emergent, inquiry-based, child-led and primarily outdoors. Visit our website for more information about our programs and philosophy: https://farmandforest.org

Position: Forest School Educator (Kindergarten Program - Maternity Leave)

Full-Time: 35 - 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, excluding holidays, from September 1, 2026 until June 18, 2027, plus optional Camp Counsellor position for March Break Camp and Summer Camp

*Must be available for Training on September 1-4, 2026

Hourly rate: $21.00 - $23.00 (Plus Extended Health Benefits, program discounts, paid sick days, Professional Development allotment)

Qualifications

Minimum of one of the following:

○ Forest School Practitioner certification (completed, enrolled, or willing to take the course)

○ At least one year of experience working with children (outdoor setting preferred)

○ Ontario Certified Teacher, Registered Early Childhood Educator, or equivalent experience

○ Other relevant life experiences

○ And/or aspirations in applicable fields

General Requirements:

○ Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

○ Team player with good communication skills

○ Physical ability to be active and lift 20kg (44lbs)

○ Comfort with large and small animals (or willingness to learn)

○ Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all weather conditions

○ Current First Aid and CPR (Level B or C), or willingness to attain in September 2026





○ Interest in learning or improving basic outdoor skills

○ Interest in developing outdoor teaching and risk-benefit assessment skills

○ Understanding of the adult’s role in child-led learning

○ Clear Vulnerable Sector Check

Responsibilities:

- Prepare the learning environment and daily learning materials as necessary
- Maintain a consistent alignment with the school’s philosophy
- Ensure the safety of all participants at all times, including but not limited to: forest play, water play, animal interactions
- Ability to communicate children’s emergent learning through observations including pedagogical documentation, progress reports for individual students and/or willingness to learn and implement these skills
- Design & deliver experiential play-based education to a maximum of 16 students per day aged 4 & 5 years old (Kindergarten)
- Co-create inquiry-based programs including arts and crafts, songs, storytelling, lessons, etc.
- Assist with instruction of small/large group team building activities/initiatives, camp-craft skills, songs, storytelling, drama, arts, and crafts
- Assist in risk assessments as needed, and review each season
- Responsible for program tools and equipment as provided. This includes the care, maintenance,



restocking and storing of the school’s equipment appropriately at all times
- Model non-violent communication, healthy boundaries, care and respect for nature, animals, and children
- Support children in individual learning paths, providing one-to-one mentoring and individualized learning plans
- Communicate with staff, parents and families (through meetings and emails) in an effective and timely manner, regarding the program and the progress of their child
- Participate in monthly staff meetings, and daily briefing/debrief
- Willingness to participate in professional development on a regular basis

Please submit your résumé and cover letter to Heather Figueiredo at [email protected]. Qualified applicants will be interviewed until a successful candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10-12 months

Pay: $21.00-$23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.0 – 40.0 per week

Perks:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site childcare
- On-site parking
- Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Cambridge, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Are you comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions (excluding hazardous conditions)?

Education:

- DCS / DEC (required)

Experience:

- teaching: 1 year (required)
- Working with children: 1 year (required)

Language:

- English (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Forest School Educator (Canada)
🏢 Cambridge Farm and Forest School
📍 Canada