Teacher – Wildheart Early Childhood Program

East Bend, Oregon | Pre-K & Kindergarten | $25/hour + Bonuses

At Wildheart Early Childhood Program, we create a warm, nature-based environment where curiosity, creativity, and confidence flourish. Our small, mixed-age classes allow children to explore woodland trails, meadows, streams, and a greenhouse, engage with farm animals, and participate in meaningful hands-on experiences.

As a Teacher, you will inspire each child’s growth through observation, self-directed learning, and playful exploration, nurturing not only cognitive and emotional development but also kindness, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world. Joining Wildheart means becoming part of a purpose-driven community where your teaching leaves a lasting impact on young hearts and fosters lifelong curiosity and environmental stewardship

Schedule & Hours

Summer (June, 2026–August, 2026)

Up to 10 weeks of summer camp available
Typical hours: 8:30 AM–1:30 PM (short days) or 8:30 AM–3:45 PM (long days), plus prep time
Teachers commit to at least 6 weeks of camps (specific weeks negotiable

School Year (Sept 22, 2026 – June 11, 2027)

Tuesday–Friday, 9:15 AM – 2:00 PM
Includes teaching, parent communication, and online correspondence (~25 hours/week while Pre-K – Kindergarten is in session)
Holiday breaks off

Training & Events

Annual training
~20 hours/year for school festivals and community events

Role Overview

The Teacher supports Wildheart’s mission by guiding children in a safe, nurturing outdoor learning environment. This role includes teaching, collaboration with co-teachers, and engagement with families and the community. The position involves some curriculum preparation, but most of the materials are already created—so the work is primarily organizing and preparing what’s already in place.

Primary Responsibilities:

Teaching & Child Development

• Lead daily lessons alongside a co-teacher
• Create a nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment
• Support each child’s emotional, social, and intellectual growth
• Observe play and provide consistent, compassionate guidance
• Maintain safety and awareness of allergies, behavior, and individual needs

Parent Communication & Relations

• Serve as primary contact for Kindergarten families
• Lead parent-teacher conferences and provide written progress updates
• Communicate clearly about safety, events, and classroom activities
• Prepare a Welcome Letter and ongoing parent communications

Enrollment, Marketing & Community Engagement

• Support full enrollment (target: 15 students)
• Conduct tours, family interviews, and home visits
• Facilitate open houses and family events
• Assist with marketing materials and community outreach (Earth Day, Discover Nature Day, etc.)
• Teach “Mommy/Daddy & Me” events in May

Site Maintenance & Logistics

• Oversee site setup and maintenance at Juniper Jungle Farm
• Maintain classroom and outdoor spaces, including tidying, gardening, and wood management
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and readiness for all programs
• Additional Opportunities

Option to teach or assist with Spring Break, Winter Break, and Summer Camps for older age groups

QualificationsRequired:

• Prior experience teaching children ages 3–6
• Ability to confidently lead groups of up to 15 children outdoors with a co-teacher
• Central Background Registry clearance, First Aid, and CPR certification (can be obtained upon hire)

Preferred

• Training in Waldorf or Montessori education
• Skills in gardening, permaculture, wildcrafting, tracking, primitive/survival skills, art, music, storytelling, crafting, or mindfulness
• Bilingual in English and Spanish
• Engaging, friendly presence and strong relationship-building skills

Compensation

$25/hour

Bonuses available based on enrollment and program success

Why Wildheart?

Joining Wildheart means being part of a supportive, purpose-driven team that values curiosity, creativity, and connection to nature. You’ll make a lasting impact on young children while growing your skills in a joyful, outdoor learning environment.