Common Ground is seeking an early childhood educator to lead farm and forest based classes for young children and their caregivers!

About us:

Common Ground is a center for learning and leadership, inviting people across ages and identities to connect to their urban environment, build community, grow into their full potential, and contribute to a just and sustainable world. We work toward this mission through active, authentic learning rooted in justice and our environment: a farm, in a forest, in a city. Three connected efforts are at the core of Common Ground’s work:

• An environmental education center, offering programs that connect people of all ages with the natural world while helping them develop habits of sustainable living. Connecticut’s only charter high school focused on the environment, preparing students for success in college and in environmental leadership.
• An urban farm that practices sustainable agriculture while contributing to a healthy food system for New Haven area residents.
• Common Ground operates from a 20-acre site at the base of West Rock Ridge where farm, forest, and city intersect to provide a unique, real world learning laboratory.

Common Ground follows organic growing practices, avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers on site. For more information on Common Ground, see www.commongroundct.org.

About the position:

Our SEEDLINGS CLASS is for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a parent or other caregiver. Seedlings Teachers offer themed classes focused on nature exploration, including hands-on activities, music, movement, and stories. Classes meet outside in most weather conditions.

SCHEDULE: Seedlings Teachers set their availability and may be scheduled within their availability. Class is 9 - 10:30 AM and teachers typically work 8:30 - 11, with additional paid planning time. Seedlings Class is usually offered for 8 - 10 weeks in fall and spring.

Currently seeking a teacher who can work at least 2 out of 3 mornings, Tues, Weds, and/or Thurs. Classes start the week of September 8.

Position requirements and responsibilities:

• Experience with very young children (infant through preschool), including planning accessible and developmentally appropriate activities, stories, music, and exploration in a nature-based setting.
• Experience with considering the needs of caregivers (sometimes grandparents) and young children while facilitating outdoor experiences
• Use excellent communication skills, including speaking with children, adults, and coworkers.
• Use strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills and sound judgment as part of routine daily work.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt plans to the available spaces, weather conditions, and other needs of the day
• Commitment to working joyfully and inclusively with children and adults of all identities, with much of our work serving a racially and economically diverse urban community.
• Work in a setting with farm animals as well as native wildlife including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds.
• Engage in the physical requirements of this role, including safely navigating outdoor terrain that includes uneven and unpaved surfaces, sitting on the ground, carrying a backpack with teaching supplies, and teaching outside in weather conditions including heat, rain, cold, and snow.
• Verifiable record of consistent attendance and punctuality at previous workplaces

Compensation

$22.50/hour

This is a part-time, seasonal position.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume through our ADP online portal or by submitting a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. We will be reviewing applications as received, until the position is filled.

Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice

Pursuant to Title IX and its regulations (“Final Rule” released on April 19, 2024), the Board of Directors has adopted and implemented a policy stating that the Common Ground District does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates, including admission and employment. Common Ground High School does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, pro