ECE Educator - Jobs in North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 2G4

Job Description

Now Hiring: Early Childhood Educators – Multiple Locations Across Vancouver (North, Westamp; Vancouver City) Start Date: September 2025 (with training in late August) Saplings Outdoor Program is seeking passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Educators to join our Preschool Programs across several locations in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Vancouver City. If you are inspired by nature-based learning and enjoy working outdoors in all weather, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a growing community that prioritizes play, exploration, and connection to the land. We are looking for educators who:

• Thrive in an outdoor, play-based setting year-round
• Can work independently and collaboratively with a team
• Are committed to creating a dynamic and engaging forest school experience
• Bring creativity, flexibility, and a love of early childhood learning

Start Date:

• September 2025 (Training sessions provided in late August)
• Optional subbing opportunities available and during Summer Camps 2026

To apply or learn more about available locations and roles, please get in touch. Join our mission to help children grow into resilient, curious, and connected learners—rain or shine! Primary responsibilities include:

• Alongside the management, plan and implement a dynamic forest program.
• Ensure the safety of all children, including but not limited to forest play, hiking, climbing trees, or while near such things as standing water, streams, and other terrains.
• Ensure the daily preparation of learning areas and materials.
• Assume overall responsibility for program tools and equipment, including safety, use, and maintenance.
• Plan, prepare, and co-create seasonal activities and projects utilizing natural materials, locally foraged or sourced.
• Implement mentorship strategies that are individually focused and age-appropriate, with an emphasis on compassion and respect.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and parent meetings as needed.
• Communicate with parents effectively, in person, and occasionally by phone.
• Be physically capable of performing teaching duties with enthusiasm regardless of the weather (rain, sleet, snow, heat), including the ability to walk distances and over uneven terrain, and carry a backpack, and supplies.
• Support the benefits of risk-taking, movement, and physical development in the early years.
• Encourage familiarity with the local flora and fauna, including poisonous plants and their location, or be willing to be mentored, seek outside training, or self-study.
• Model and teach outdoor skills including risk management, knots, shelter building, self-care/appropriate clothing, leave-no-trace practices, and interacting with local wildlife.
• Follow licensing requirements.

Qualifications/Education:

• An early Childhood Education Diploma or Degree is essential (not ECEA).
• Current BC Early Childhood Certificate.
• Clean Criminal Record Check.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Experience working with children ages 2.5-5 years old.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs/ neurodivergence
• Applicants with Forest School or Reggio experience are preferred.

Who Are WeSaplings Outdoor Program is an established forest school located throughout the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations (Lower Mainland). We operate numerous preschools, afterschool care programs, daycares, and a primary school.Saplings believe that nature is a child’s best education. We use a holistic approach to education as we strive to inspire a sense of wonder and love for learning. Our forest school educators are passionate individuals with a deep respect for childhood and reverence for the natural world. Educators will work in a variety of natural landscapes such as forests, ocean sides, and parks as they inspire play and follow the children’s lead to discover the world around them. At Saplings, time is flexible. We value slowing the pace of the day to give children time and space to learn, form caring relationships and connect with the natural world.Our organization is committed to providing a safe and equitable space for all. Our educator #39;s and children’s right to belong and feel safe is fiercely protected and we implement anti-racist, anti-homophobic, and anti-transphobic practices.Why Should You ApplySaplings offer a flexible work schedule and a great work-life balance. Our educators note the positive effects working in our beautiful outdoor classrooms have on their mood and sense of well-being. If you are seeking a meaningful role in education that aligns, you’re your philosophy of nature-based and child-centered programming, this job is for you.Who Should ApplyWe employ individuals from a variety of backgrounds, and firmly believe the various unique expertise of our educators provide a rich learning environment for the children. Sapling’s recognizes the important role it plays in strengthening values of equity, social justice, and diversity and inclusion. About Saplings Outdoor Program:Saplings Outdoor Program is a nature-based program located in West Vancouver for children ages 2.5-9 years old. The main purpose of our program is to provide children with an opportunity to connect with the environment safely and enjoyably. Nature is a child’s best education.Qualifications: Basic ECE.Years Experience Required: 1.Salaryamp; Benefits:

• $24-26 plus 6 dollar WE.
• Extended Health Benefits.

About Saplings Outdoor Program:Saplings Outdoor Program is a nature-based program located in West Vancouver for children ages 2.5-9 years old. The main purpose of our program is to provide children with an opportunity to connect with the environment in a safe and enjoyable way. Nature is a child’s best education.