Horshna Forest School : Assistant Educator

LOCATION: HORSH BEIRUT & BAABDA FOREST

Horshna foest school is a community of educators and families who initiated a forest school in October, 2019, in the parks and forests of Beirut and its surroundings. We believe that contact with nature provides our children, (ages 2.5 - 6 years), a free and nurturing place for their developmental, physical, emotional and social needs. We meet daily rain or shine, engage in free play, exploration of our environment, storytelling and song, arts and crafts.

We are a mixed age and inclusive community with a high adult to child ratio allowing each child the space to develop at their own pace. Our educational approach is that of mentorship, peer learning and care believing in the importance of nurturing life skills in these foundational years. We build an emergent curriculum based on children’s exploration of their environment through the seasons and their social dynamics. Children are given the space daily to engage in free play enhancing joy, developing social and emotional skills and taking appropriate risks and building resilience and independence. At the heart of all we do is the belief in our interconnectedness to the land and to each other.

The Assistant Educator role involves:

• Modeling and actively mentoring young children in nature connection and learning
• Looking after the health and safety of the group
• Assisting in set up for the day, for our activities and taking care of supplies
• Active observation of the children during free play
• Communicating clearly with educator team
• Collaborating with the educator team on developing an emergent curriculum
• Support the Lead Educator in their role

Hours of work: Monday-Friday, 8.00 am – 3 pm

QUALIFICATIONS
 

Education/Experience
The Assistant Educator must have at least one of the following requirements met:

• BA in Early Childhood education or enrollment or completed several courses in Early Childhood Education
• Comparable recognized teacher training 
• 2 or more years of experience with children ages 2-6

Additional Requirements 

• Ability to lift and carry up to 10 kg, and participate in pushing our supplies cart
• Comfortable and enthusiastic for being out in Nature:
  • sitting on the ground
  • getting dirty
  • being out in all weather conditions, rain or shine
  • touching and holding insects and small creatures
  • moving through different terrains
• Singing with children (professional singing not necessary)
• Interested in further growth in naturalist studies and mentoring
• A nurturing, loving, creative, and playful attitude
• Dedicated to developmentally appropriate practice and aware of developmental needs of young children
• Observant

Qualities, Characteristics, and skills of the ideal candidate

• Training and experience in early childhood development and education
• Experience with nature based mentoring or leading activities in nature
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna
• Familiarity and/or experience with Waldorf or Reggio Emilia education
• Experience in story telling
• Play a musical instrument and/or sing
• Arts and Crafts skills

Professional Development

We are dedicated to providing our team with professional development and the opportunity to grow with us and expand your role as it helps fulfill our pedagogical values.