Outdoor schools, Forest schools, Nature schools

Hiring for two positions:

• Forest and Nature School Lead Educator
• Forest and Nature School Educator

School: Out to Play
Location: West Ottawa, Ontario (Nepean/Kanata)

2026–2027 School Year
4–5 days/week | $26.00–$29.00/hour w/ benefit package

Out to Play is hiring a passionate, skilled, and child-centred Forest and Nature School Educator for the 2026–2027 school year.

At Out to Play, children spend their days outdoors in all seasons, learning through play, exploration, relationship, and connection with the land. Our pedagogy is child-centred, inquiry-driven, educator-supported, and rooted in the belief that children thrive when they are trusted, respected, and given meaningful opportunities to grow.

We are looking for an educator who brings warmth, confidence, humour, and a deep respect for children. Someone who can meet children where they are, delight in their ideas, and support them through both the joyful and the challenging moments of the day.

Who You Are

• You are an enthusiastic and expressive educator whose love for the natural world is matched only by your love for working with children.
• You are compassionate, experienced, and confident supporting children with a wide range of strengths, needs, and sparkly neurodiversity. You understand that behaviour is communication, and you approach children with curiosity, empathy, and steadiness.
• You know that every child is trying their best.
• You believe it is an honour to do this work.

Values & Perspective

We are seeking someone who:

• Is fascinated by children’s perspectives, ideas, and experiences
• Understands child development and relationship-based practice
• Values inquiry-driven and play-based learning
• Brings creativity, joy, and fun to their teaching
• Can remain calm, kind, and capable in complex moments
• Loves learning and continues to grow professionally
• Sees the land as an essential teacher and classroom

Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with some or all of the following:

• Forest and Nature School Practitioner Course or similar training
• Post-secondary education in one or more of the following:
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Bachelor of Education / Teachers College
  • Outdoor Education
  • Social Work
  • Child and Youth Care / Child and Youth Work
• Special Education qualifications or related experience are an asset

Experience

Professional Experience

Experience in one or more of the following settings:

• Classroom education
• Outdoor education
• Guiding or adventure-based programming
• Therapeutic outdoor education
• Nature-based child and youth programs

Leadership & Communication

We are especially interested in educators who are growing in leadership.

You may have previous leadership experience and feel ready for more responsibility. You are able to communicate clearly and warmly with both children and adults. You are comfortable speaking to groups, collaborating with a team, and writing professionally to families and colleagues.

You're detail-oriented, great at keeping spaces tidy, organized and beautiful, and you're a wizard at reuniting children with their lost and found. You hold a high standard and other educators learn from watching you.

You're not opposed to some administrative tasks and building your leadership skills such as: scheduling staff, leading meetings and facilitating training. 

The Nuts and Bolts of the Educator Role

Here's the day to day of facilitating Forest and Nature School:

Setting up the outdoor and indoor space to be rich in creative learning provocations and catering to a range of needs

Supporting children through social dynamics and social skill learning through active outdoor child-led play

Leading a hike out to a natural playspace

Performing daily dynamic risk assessments, according to the current Out to Play Site and Experience Risk-Benefit Assessments

Offering playful and observant responses to the learning that is unfolding, and providing new opportunities

Nurturing communication and a sense of community through circle time and story

Providing enthusiastic and kind feedback and observations to each child's trusted adults at the end of the day

Bringing a detail-oriented eye to tidying up and creating beautiful and safe playspaces

Contributing to community event days, Open Houses and Family Gatherings

The Lead Educator role includes the above, with some administrative and mentoring responsibilities  (scheduling staff, organizing coverage, mentoring new staff, facilitating training)

To Apply

Please send your resume and cover letter to: lpurvis@outtoplay.ca

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest.