Job Description
Job Description
Position: Preschool Lead Teacher
Location: Cairn Hill Nature Preschool at Camp Fire North Shore, Massachusetts
Reports to: Preschool Director
Salary: $50,000
Position Summary:
Cairn Hill Nature Preschool seeks a warm, creative, and collaborative Preschool Lead Teacher to join our team. Our program blends Waldorf-inspired early childhood education with a strong emphasis on nature-based learning, nurturing the whole child-head, heart, and hands. We believe in fostering meaningful relationships, curiosity, and respect for the natural world. The Lead Teacher will play a key role in delivering a curriculum that is rooted in seasonal rhythms, child-led exploration, and a balance of indoor and outdoor experiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Curriculum & Planning:
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Partner with the Preschool Director and colleagues to implement the Cairn Hill Curriculum, which integrates Waldorf early childhood practices with nature education and aligns with Massachusetts early learning standards.
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Develop weekly and daily lesson plans that are inspired by seasonal changes, nature exploration, and the evolving interests of the children.
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Maintain a harmonious balance of Waldorf activities-such as circle time, storytelling, songs, and art-alongside nature exploration, sensory activities, and developmentally appropriate literacy, math, and STEM experiences.
Child-Centered Support:
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Build and sustain respectful relationships with each child and their family, recognizing and honoring each child's unique developmental journey and background.
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Conduct regular observations and informal assessments to monitor progress and provide individualized support as needed.
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Encourage the development of motor skills, self-help skills, and social-emotional confidence through a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Nature Engagement:
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Lead children in daily nature exploration-rain or shine-fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
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Ensure children are safe, engaged, and appropriately dressed for outdoor learning, while promoting exploration and curiosity.
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Supervise and support safe play on nature trails and during outdoor activities.
Community & Communication:
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Use positive, respectful communication and guidance to support children's social and emotional growth.
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Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming classroom community where children and families feel valued.
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Maintain open lines of communication with families through informal conversations, regular updates, and a weekly newsletter prepared during rest time.
Classroom Environment & Operations:
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Create and maintain an organized, clutter-free, and aesthetically pleasing classroom environment that reflects Waldorf principles.
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Support the care and upkeep of both indoor and outdoor learning spaces, including gardens and natural play areas.
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Contribute to the planning and celebration of seasonal festivals and community events, participating in at least four per year.
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Attend staff meetings, open houses, and occasional outreach events to share the program's mission.
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Engage in professional development aligned with the Cairn Hill Curriculum and EEC requirements.
Professionalism & Growth:
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Collaborate with the Preschool Director to set and pursue three annual professional goals.
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Participate in quarterly and annual review meetings to reflect on achievements and areas for growth.
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Maintain current EEC certification and uphold the values, professionalism, and philosophy of Cairn Hill Nature Preschool.
Qualifications:
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Meets EEC licensing requirements for preschool teaching.
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Certification in First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain).
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
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Excellent organizational abilities.
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Experience in or commitment to nature-based and Waldorf-inspired education.
Benefits:
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Three weeks vacation annually, aligned with school breaks (February, April, and July).
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Ten paid sick days, two personal days, and thirteen holidays, plus one week of paid time off between Christmas and New Year's.
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403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.
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Health and dental insurance.
Employment is pending a background check.