Nature Preschool Director -Early Ed.
New Today
Nature Preschool Director Location: Boston, on the grounds of the Arnold Arboretum
Schedule: 20 hours/week (mornings)
Mission: The mission of Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is to meet the developmental needs of the whole child while initiating them into a lifelong relationship with the natural world. We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early childhood education.
What We Do: BOPN is a nonprofit organization focused on nature-based early education. We operate toddler and preschool programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, and Sudbury. We bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. Our goals are to promote children's physical and mental health, encourage environmental stewardship, and to develop habits of mind such as curiosity, initiative, persistence, creativity, problem-solving, and responsibility.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage daily program operations and staffing, serving as the primary point of contact for teachers, families, and site partner staff
Orient new teachers to our Arboretum location
Guide the implementation of nature-based emergent curriculum that is responsive to children's interests. Coach teachers in health and safety practices, observation, reggio-style documentation, family communication, behavior guidance, nature connection and environmental education
Ensure that teachers are prepared for licensing visits
Conduct teacher observations and annual performance reviews
Facilitate communications and promote a joyful and collaborative culture among staff and families
Ensure that staff, families, and children comply with Arnold Arboretum agreements
Collaborate with our marketing and admissions staff to achieve full enrollment
Lead tours for prospective families, advise on child class placements, transitions, and mid-year changes
Lead monthly staff meetings
Substitute teach as needed (up to three mornings/week) at the Arnold Arboretum site.
Lead special events
Assist with managing our Community House in Roslindale
If needed, lead our Forest Days (public school partnership program) one morning/week in spring 2026
Qualifications:
EEC Director I or Director II Certification in addition to an EEC Teacher certification in Infant/Toddler and Preschool
Experience in early childhood program administration, including staff supervision and parent communication
Excellent classroom management skills and experience fostering nature connection
Strong communication skills with staff and families
Positive, strengths-based approach to working with teaching teams
Demonstrated performance in all BOPN leadership criteria
Excellent time management skills to balance teaching, program management, and coaching
Ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders, including families, teachers, and external partners
Comfortable hiking across varied terrain and teaching outdoors in almost all weather conditions
Experience with anti-bias education
Adaptability and resourcefulness in a nonprofit start-up culture, with the ability to problem-solve and thrive amid shifting priorities and evolving circumstances
Hiring Process:
Applications are rolling, please apply as soon as possible. Successful reference and background checks are required. We welcome applications from educators who will add to our diverse community.
- Location:
- Boston, MA, United States
- Job Type:
- PartTime
- Category:
- Management Occupations