Volunteer with Boston's Outdoor Preschool Network (55+)

Must be 55+

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network

Service Position

Nature-based Early Education

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 bring families together in community and give children a joyfully muddy childhood under the loving guidance of dedicated teachers. Our programs combine early childhood and environmental education. 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. BOPN runs toddler and preschool programs in Boston, Milton, Malden, Sudbury, and Sherborn. We are committed to expanding access to nature-based early education through our equity programs, including our public school partnerships and by opening Boston’s first free nature preschool at the Franklin Park Zoo through Universal PreK.

Position Description:

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and when they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to 40 hours per week. You may choose to serve at our programs at the Arnold Arboretum and/or the Franklin Park Zoo. Your volunteer service at BOPN will be designed to tap into your unique skills and interests!

Responsibilities:

• Nurture the spirit and curiosity of each child while building community.
• Assist the Lead Teachers to ensure the health and safety of the children.
• Assist the Lead Teachers to develop and implement engaging nature-based early childhood experiences that connect children with one another and to nature.
• Explore varied terrain, make music and art, and learn about local flora and fauna.
• Gracefully communicate with parents, caregivers, and the general public.
• Attend an orientation and occasional professional development events related to nature-based early education
• Complete state-required background checks
• Related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in nature-based early childhood education
• Engaging and easily able to communicate with children, families, and teachers
• Embrace a wide variety of weather conditions as unique and interesting, part of the ebb and flow of the natural rhythm and seasonal changes
• Able to walk across varied terrain

Watch our video to learn more: AmeriCorps Seniors