Assistant Educator

Horshna Forest Program Description

Horshna is a community of educators and families who initiated a preschool forest program in 2019, in the parks and forests of Beirut and its surroundings. We believe that contact with nature provides our children (ages 2.9 - 6 years), a free and nurturing place for their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. Running from September to June, five days a week, we are outdoors rain or shine.

Horshna is a mixed age community with a high educator to child ratio of 1:5 centered on mentorship and peer learning. We are a play based program and implement the constructivist approach to learning, inspired by Waldorf, Reggio Emilia and Forest School practices. We offer an emergent interest based curriculum to learn language, math and science while fostering a deep, empathetic connection to the land. We are a bilingual Arabic and English program with an emphasis on Arabic language and culture.

To learn more about us visit our website: https://horshna.com/

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, 7.00 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
• 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 storytelling
• Play a musical instrument and/or sing
• Arts and Crafts skills
• Adaptable and creative problem solving

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.

Salary

Salary: $700 (based on education and experience)