Forest School Practitioner

Position Summary: FortWhyte Alive is looking to grow our Forest School team of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their appreciation of nature with children of all ages.  FortWhyte Forest School is an outdoor, all-weather program for children aged 2-12 years that runs year round.  

The Forest School Practitioner will provide supervision and guidance for children that supports place, inquiry, and play-based learning through child inspired activities.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Read and adhere to site safety assessments and document changes accordingly 


• Collaborate with Forest School Educators as an efficient member of the Forest School team by suggesting ideas and co-planning programs, researching provocations, and providing artifacts and literature to create immersive experiences for the participants. 


• Incorporate Indigenous teachings, principles and resources as a part of FortWhyte Alive’s reconciliation plan


• Provide guidance and ongoing training for the volunteers that support Forest School


• Ensure the safety of all participants by being observant of environmental hazards, inappropriate or unsafe behavior, staying within the boundaries of play, and maintaining supervision of children at all times


• Carry out activities that support curiosity, play and inquiry-based learning through an emergent curriculum inspired by children’s interests and daily and seasonal changes in our natural environment


• Create safe spaces for participants to express their emotions and provide guidance and  strategies that promote positive child development 


• Participate in post-program debriefing sessions with other facilitators and volunteers


• Provide anecdotal documentation through Storypark on a weekly basis 


• Ensure the participants are well-dressed for the weather and they are safe from potential environmental hazards in all seasons (ex. frostbite, sunburn, heat stroke)


• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Forest School Practitioner Certificate or equivalent experience required

• Must be familiar with and abide by the principles and guidelines for Forest and Nature Schools as described by the Child and Nature Alliance of Canada (CNAC)


• Minimum 1 year experience working outside with children (2-10 years old)


• Successful Police Information Check with Vulerable Sector Check & Child Abuse Registry Check


• Physically able to work in all weather conditions (rain, heat, cold) and able to walk long distances over uneven terrain, carry a backpack and perform light lifting duties


• Able to fulfill employment responsibilities with enthusiasm regardless of weather conditions


• Understand the value of risky play, emergent learning philosophies and child-led play/place-based learning


• Standard, Remote or Wilderness First Aid considered an asset (training will be provided upon hire)


• Experience in outdoor education, biology, natural resources considered an asset