Ithaca forest preschool

Careers

Ithaca Forest Preschool Coordinator/Educator

Application deadline: 5/3/21

Ithaca Forest Preschool (IFP) is one of the longest-running “forest pre-schools” in the country and is a program of CCETC, in partnership with the 4-H Primitive Pursuits program.

We are seeking an individual to take on the leadership for this program, which continues through the summer as a week-long summer camp, Growing Wild.

Applicants should: have experience providing educational experiences for young children in the outdoors; be able to demonstrate an understanding of how experiences in nature are beneficial for children; and should be comfortable and enthusiastic about leading outdoor programs through all the seasons and in all types of weather. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are guiding principles for IFP, and individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Additional training in specific outdoor skills and professional development opportunities will be provided as necessary.

The ability to arrive at programming sites reliably each day is a requirement of the position. During the school year, typical program educator hours are 8-1, Monday – Thursday, with additional hours for administrative responsibilities being more flexible. During the summer camp season, program times are longer and run Monday – Friday.

More information about the qualifications and responsibilities for this position can be found in the position description.

What Parents are Saying...

“Ithaca Forest Preschool prepared our sons to really appreciate nature, to pay attention to details we may not notice nor know anything about, and to love winter; to this day, they sprint outside to play in the cold!”

R.A., Ithaca Forest Preschool parent

What Parents are Saying...

“Ithaca Forest Preschool is a place where your children will learn lots of things you may not know yourself, which they love to come home and share with you.” 

L.C., Ithaca Forest Preschool parent

What Parents are Saying...

“My daughter is now in 4th grade, and my sons are in 2nd Grade and Kindergarten. I can honestly say that I feel they entered Kindergarten completely prepared and that they had something extra to bring to the classroom, an experience beyond what one would expect of a preschooler because they also brought with them unique life skills and stories from their time in the forest.”

G. K., Ithaca Forest Preschool parent

If you believe that children belong outside, and that the tools of imagination are what build a happy childhood and a strong foundation, then welcome  to our wooded world.

Ithaca forest Preschool

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Office Location:
Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-2292 | email Us

Preschool Location:
4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850


Ithaca Forest Preschool is a nature immersion program for children ages 3-5. Our program is run in cooperation with Primitive Pursuits, a project of Cornell Cooperative Extension.