Outdoor Preschool Lead Teacher

Summary

Fidalgo Nature School is seeking a Lead Teacher for our all-outdoor preschool program for

youth ages 3-6 in Deception Pass State Park, Washington State.

This position requires up to 29.5 hours per week. The date commitment is July 13, 2026

through June 25, 2027. If possible, the hired individual may start before that time with limited

hours. Staff school times are Monday through Friday from 9:00am- 2:00pm. Administrative

hours are largely flexible with some mandatory meetings. This position reports to the

Executive Director.

Our licensed, forest school aims to provide inclusive, high-quality education, grounded in

emergent outdoor play. The outdoor classroom presents an engaging, dynamic environment for

this; our teachers are an essential part of helping students develop a sense of connection with

nature, build themes of compassion, respect and stewardship, and learn through exploration

and play. We operate on Coast Salish land, and Indigenous life, past and present, is an

important part of what students learn about at Fidalgo Nature School. The Since Time

Immemorial curriculum is embedded in our program.

We are committed to hiring and retaining staff with a diverse range of experiences, and

creating an equitable environment and community. Please note: We strongly encourage

applications from people of color, immigrants, male-identifying educators, people with

disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and other underrepresented and

historically marginalized groups.

Lead Teacher Responsibilities:

• Report to the Executive Director. Timely completion of assignments and regular

attendance at weekly meetings.

• Maintain consistent and positive open communication with preschool families, children,

co-teachers, Executive Director, board and partners.

• Ensure that the classroom operates within the guidelines and standards of the

Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families (DCYF).

• Ensure that the classroom operates within the Washington Administrative Code.
• Create an inviting and emotionally safe classroom meeting the cultural, behavioral and

physical needs of our students and staff.

• Working cooperatively with Assistant Teachers and Aides to create developmentally

appropriate curriculum and activities.

• Manages the outdoor nature-based benefit-risk assessment, policies, and procedures.
• Being the Lead for medical emergencies, fire, disaster evacuation and emergency

preparedness plans.

• Focuses on student protection, guidance, and discipline techniques including

following individual health care or special needs plans.

• Track the development of each individual child, maintain student records, and lead

parent/teacher conferences including twice yearly student progress reports.

• Support student enrollment and Procare software management where student records

are maintained.

• Assist students in the restroom and do standing diaper changes.
• Maintain staff schedules.
• Collaborate with staff to purchase and maintain program supplies.
• Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 18 years or older
• Early Childhood Education State Certificate (or actively working towards it)
• Commitment to outdoor nature-based, early childhood education.
• Current Wilderness First Aid certification or willingness to complete upon hiring. $350

reimbursement if needed.

• Two years of experience as a teacher of children ages 3-6 years, and at least six

months of experience in administration or management.

• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions including winter.
• Shows genuine warmth and respect for children’s feelings, abilities, and differences.
• Openness to learn about and support equity and inclusivity in education.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs, swim, hike comfortably, as well as twist, bend, and kneel to interact

with young children.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bilingual: Spanish, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Japanese, ASL, or other languages
• Experience teaching, coaching or leading preschool-aged children outside.
• Understanding of Indigenous Nation sovereignty, history, culture, and local communities.
• Knowledge of natural history/science, plant/animal identification, knowledge of

agricultural practices, trail building or land stewardship, 4H experience and other

experiences that have allowed you to connect with nature.

• Emergency preparedness and response training such as EMT or Lifeguard.

Pre-Service Requirements:

• Portable Background Check through the WA State DCYF MERIT system-

reimbursement available if needed

• Record of negative TB test within last 12 months- reimbursement available if needed
• Record or exemption letter for MMR immunization, proof of measles immunity, or

medical history of measles

Compensation:

This non-exempt, hourly position pays $25.43 per hour. Paid school holidays, spring and winter

break, as well as paid time off, which accrues at a rate of 1 hour per 40 hours worked. We offer

an annual $100 gear stipend. Paid time for unexpected school cancellations.

How to Apply:

Please complete an application at: https://www.fidalgonatureschool.com/careers

Send questions to: molly@fidalgonatureschool.com or call #360-375-3809

About Fidalgo Nature School

Fidalgo Nature School’s mission is to provide quality, accessible, nature-based education for

children in the local community, fostering their sense of belonging in the natural world and a

lifelong connection with the outdoors.

Play is central to high-quality early childhood education programs. The kind of play that leads to

learning is characteristically self-chosen and directed by the child, which allows children to

explore their own theories about how the world works. Children are deeply engaged in this style

of learning because it is interesting and meaningful to them.

Building on what children already know, teachers provide opportunities to discover more and dig

deeper. The curriculum is lively and always developing rather than pre-planned. The learning

process is documented in various ways to make what children are wondering about visible.

Fidalgo Nature School is committed to a curriculum that reflects the identities of the children,

families, and staff that make up our Skagit & Island County communities with a focus on the

children’s interactions with each other, the community and the natural world.

Our programs currently serve preschoolers. For more information about our school, please

see www.fidalgonatureschool.com.

Discrimination Policy

Fidalgo Nature School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and

applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without

regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected

veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic

protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of

employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall,

transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Paid school holidays, spring and winter break, as well as paid time off, which accrues at a rate of 1 hour per 40 hours worked. We offer an annual $100 gear stipend. Paid time for unexpected school cancellations.

Desired Qualification

Bilingual: Spanish, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Japanese, ASL, or other languages