Job Description
Job DescriptionJoin Us in Building Something Special at Little Forest School
At Little Forest School, we’re not just hiring—we’re inviting you to help shape something meaningful.
As a nonprofit nature-based childcare center, we’re creating a space where children lead the way through curiosity, creativity, and muddy hands. We're looking for:
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Outdoor enthusiasts
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Educators who believe in:
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The power of play
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The beauty of puddle jumping
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The importance of nature-based learning
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This is more than a job—it’s a chance to:
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Co-create an innovative forest school curriculum
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Grow with a passionate team
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Become part of a community-driven effort
If you're excited about building something new and believe that sticks and stones make some of the best learning tools—we’d love to meet you.
Position Summary: Childcare Teacher
Pay Rate: $18–$20/hour
Ages Served: 3 months to 12 years
Reports to: Childcare Director
Location: Manitowish Waters, WI
Benefits:
Paid time off: 12 PTO days (year 0-2)
Holiday pay: 9 paid holidays
Sign-on bonus
Health stipend: $250 per month (used at employee discretion)
Tuition reimbursement
Dental & Vision plans
Simple IRA's
The Childcare Teacher supports the development and delivery of high-quality, nature- and play-based programs. This role involves:
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Implementing curriculum
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Supervising children and classroom activities
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Fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment
Essential FunctionsProgram Delivery
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Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons rooted in nature and play-based learning
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Foster achievement, belonging, and relationships through intentional programming
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Make systematic observations and assessments to support each child’s development
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Maintain accurate records (lesson plans, evaluations, child assessments)
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Provide updates to Childcare Director and Administrator as needed
Classroom Supervision & Safety
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Oversee daily classroom operations and ensure a safe, inclusive environment
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Supervise assistants, aides, and volunteers
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Ensure compliance with all licensing and safety regulations
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Support ADA accommodations for inclusivity
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Maintain cleanliness and safety of program site and equipment
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Uphold confidentiality of children’s and families’ information
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Complete:
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15 hours of annual continuing education
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Abuse and neglect training every two years
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Community Engagement
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Build strong relationships with families through:
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Daily communication
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Parent conferences
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Coordinating with home schedules
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Connect families with community resources
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Attend and contribute to:
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Staff meetings
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Training sessions
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School events
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Participate in creating a positive, collaborative school culture
QualificationsAge
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Must be at least 18 years old
Education
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High school diploma or equivalent
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At least two:
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DCF-approved non-credit courses or
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College-level courses in early childhood education
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Certifications
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CPR, First Aid, and AED (or obtained within 3 months of hire)
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Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Training
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Wisconsin Registry Certificate:
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Level 4 minimum
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Level 7+ preferred
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Experience
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At least 240 hours in an early childhood setting (childcare center, family childcare, etc.)
Skills & Physical Requirements
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Ability to build authentic relationships with diverse families and children
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Physically able to:
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Bend, lift, and sit at children's level
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Stay active throughout the day
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Comfortable with exposure to:
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Cleaning supplies
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Bodily fluids
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Common childhood illnesses
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Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities
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