Preschool Teacher, Intern or Field Study StudentAt — ENC Nature Preschool

Position Overview:
This internship/field study opportunity provides hands-on experience working with children in a nature-based preschool classroom. The student will gain practical skills in planning and implementing emergent curriculum activities while developing a strong understanding of nature-based education and its alignment with state regulations and policies. The student will work under the guidance of a mentor teacher in a preschool setting.

Key Responsibilities:

Support the implementation of a nature-based, play-based emergent curriculum for Pre-K children.

Engage children in meaningful, nature-focused learning experiences that foster curiosity and a love of learning.

Collaborate with the teaching team to plan and execute classroom activities.

Learn and follow Title 22 policies and other regulations relevant to nature-based early childhood education.

Implement Preschool Curriculum: Support the delivery of a developmentally appropriate, emergent curriculum that integrates hands-on, nature-focused learning experiences for Pre-K children. Facilitate activities that encourage exploration, curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity through engagement with natural materials and the outdoor environment.

Foster a Love of Learning: Create an environment where children feel inspired to explore, ask questions, and develop a lifelong curiosity about the natural world. Encourage self-expression, social-emotional growth, and collaborative learning through guided and independent play.

Engage Children in Nature-Focused Experiences: Lead and assist with activities that teach children about plants, animals, ecosystems, and seasonal changes. Use observation and interaction to adapt activities to meet the developmental needs and interests of individual children.

Support Curriculum Planning and Documentation: Collaborate with the teaching team to plan, implement, and reflect on lesson activities. Assist in observing and documenting children’s learning and development, contributing insights to improve and refine classroom practices.

Learn and Apply Policies and Procedures: Understand and follow Title 22 regulations and other relevant state policies related to early childhood education. Ensure all activities and classroom practices maintain safety, health, and developmental standards in a nature-based learning environment.

Training and Mentorship:
The student will be paired with a Lead Nature Teacher trained in Outdoor Learning Classroom practices. Training includes:

Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions with the classroom teacher.

Participation in curriculum planning meetings.

Supplemental training with a Naturalist at ENC, focusing on native plants and environmental education.

support the student in achieving the outlined learning outcomes, the student will be placed in a preschool classroom under the guidance of a Lead Nature Teacher trained in Outdoor Learning Classroom practices. The student will gain hands-on experience implementing nature-based learning for Pre-K aged children. Training and mentorship will include scheduled one-on-one meetings with the mentor, participation in curriculum planning sessions, and supplemental instruction with a Naturalist at ENC, focusing on native plants and the ENC environment.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the internship, the student will be able to:

Observe and analyze how nature-based curriculum is implemented in a preschool classroom.

Apply emergent, nature-based teaching strategies with Pre-K children, adapting techniques observed in younger classrooms as appropriate.

Participate in professional development webinars on topics such as Nature-Based Learning and Creativity in Nature.

Understand and implement Title 22 policies within a nature-based preschool environment.

Qualifications:

Enrolled in an early childhood education, child development, or related field program.

Interest in nature-based or experiential learning approaches.

Enthusiasm for working with young children in an outdoor-focused learning environment.

Willingness to learn, observe, and implement curriculum under mentor guidance.