Nature Preschool Volunteer

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Fiddleheads is looking for past, current, or future educators and leaders who are comfortable being outside rain or shine and can model a positive attitude no matter the weather (rain gear is suggested, and we do have limited supplies on site). We ask that volunteers keep an open mind and have a willingness to learn about child development, teaching techniques and the natural world, and are dedicated to working with kids in a volunteer capacity.

At Fiddleheads, we work with volunteers and interns to tailor positions that support your interests or goals and create opportunities to take your experience further. We want to make sure that you get as much out of participating in our program as the children do! We have numerous resources we can share and are happy to make time answer questions and support your educational goals however we can. If you do decide to pursue an internship with us, it’s important that you commit to regular attendance throughout the duration of the quarter.

A little bit about the position:
School takes place M-F from 9 am-1pm and M-Th from 2pm-4pm in our forest grove classrooms in the Washington Park Arboretum. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of one day per week for at least one quarter, but we always welcome (and even suggest) more extended commitments, which allow for a deeper connection to the children and a broader understanding of our approach.

Interns and volunteers will have the opportunity to gain the following:

• Experience with early childhood behavior, and physical, emotional and social development.
• A deep understanding of our unique approach to supporting the development of self-regulation in an outdoor setting.-Time spent outside in an extraordinary environment, engaging children with the natural world through art, games, exploration, science, dramatic play and stories.
• Opportunity to further develop skills in teaching and engaging children outdoors.
• Support from staff such as access to resources like experts and professionals in the field, curriculum guides, and reference books, and one-on-one time with the lead teacher to reflect on experience, seek feedback and discuss projects/connection to class work.
• The chance to participate in and influence the development of an internationally known and respected program.

• Assist lead teachers to provide overview and engage and support children’s socialization and development. There will be opportunities to self-initiate curriculum development and implementation.
• Assist a variety of educational activities including experiential learning, engaging with the natural environment, reading aloud, assisting with native species identification, guiding inquiry-based learning, and facilitating art projects.
• Assist in ensuring the safety of and engaging with and playing with up to 14 children with 2 staff members
• Assist in preparation of educational materials and equipment
• Assist in maintaining accurate records of incidents and participant behavior issues
• Follows and enforces child safety and security policies as set by the UW Botanic Gardens