Lead Preschool Teacher - Cairn Hill Nature Preschool
Camp Fire North Shore
Camp Fire North Shore is dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging, and enriching environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive. At Cairn Hill Nature Preschool, we combine Waldorf-inspired early childhood education with immersive, nature-based learning to support the development of the whole child-head, heart, and hands.
Position Overview
Cairn Hill Nature Preschool is seeking a passionate, nurturing, and experienced Lead Preschool Teacher to guide a classroom rooted in exploration, creativity, and meaningful connection. This role is essential in creating a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment aligned with Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) standards.
Compensation & Schedule
· Salary: $50,000 - $52,0000 annually (exempt, full-time position)
· Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
· Full-time, year-round position aligned with program needs
Benefits
· Three (3) weeks of vacation
· Ten (10) sick days and two (2) personal days
· Thirteen (13) paid holidays plus one week closure between Christmas and New Year's
· Health and dental insurance
· 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
· Ongoing professional development opportunities
Key Responsibilities
Curriculum & Instruction
· Implement curriculum aligned with EEC guidelines and Massachusetts early learning standards
· Develop weekly and daily lesson plans inspired by seasonal changes and child-led exploration
· Facilitate a balance of structured and unstructured learning including storytelling, art, music, and early STEM
Child Development & Support
· Build strong relationships with children and families, honoring individual developmental needs
· Conduct observations and maintain documentation of children's growth and progress
· Support social-emotional learning, independence, and positive peer interactions
Health, Safety & Compliance
· Maintain active supervision at all times in accordance with EEC regulations
· Ensure compliance with child-to-staff ratios and licensing requirements
· Maintain safe, clean, and organized indoor and outdoor environments
Nature-Based Learning
· Lead daily outdoor exploration in all weather conditions
· Encourage curiosity, risk-taking, and respect for the natural environment
· Supervise children safely on trails and outdoor play areas
Family & Community Engagement
· Maintain open communication with families through conversations and updates
· Foster an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment
· Participate in events, open houses, and community engagement efforts
Professional Growth & Collaboration
· Collaborate with leadership and team members to support program success
· Participate in trainings, meetings, and performance evaluations
· Maintain required certifications and stay current with best practices
Who You Are
· Passionate about early childhood education and supporting the whole child
· Nurturing, patient, and creates a welcoming environment
· Creative and adaptable in lesson planning
· Values nature-based learning and outdoor time
· Strong communicator with families and team
· Collaborative, dependable, and proactive
· Committed to inclusion and equity
· Maintains a safe and organized classroom
· Dedicated to professional growth
Qualifications
· Meets EEC requirements for Lead Preschool Teacher
· CPR and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain)
· Strong communication and organizational skills
· Experience in early childhood education required
· Preferred: EEC Lead Teacher Certification (Toddler and/or Preschool)
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Camp Fire North Shore is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and respected. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences.
Why Join Us?
At Cairn Hill Nature Preschool, you will be part of a mission-driven team that values creativity, connection, and the power of nature in early childhood education. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive, collaborative, and purpose-driven environment.
Employment is pending a background check.