Position Title: Early Childhood Educator (ECE) or Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA)
Location: Fern Flower – Nature School, Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada
Employment Type: Permanent Part-Time Employee
Start Date: ASAP or September 1, 2026
Are You an Educator Who Belongs Outdoors?
Do you feel happiest outside? Do you enjoy getting muddy, exploring forests, watching children discover the world around them, and embracing the beauty of every season?
Fern Flower – Nature School is looking for a passionate ECE or ECEA to join our small, nature-based childcare team.
We are not a traditional childcare setting. Our days are spent outdoors exploring, creating, observing, and learning alongside children. We believe children are capable, curious, and naturally motivated to learn when they are given time, space, and meaningful experiences.
If you are someone who loves nature, believes in play-based learning, and wants to spend your workdays outside with children, we would love to meet you.
About Us:
The Fern Flower - Nature School is conveniently situated at 3827 Charlton Drive, just next to Rose Park. It's about a 5-minute drive south of Bowser or a 20-minute drive north of Qualicum Beach. Established in 2024, Fern Flower - Nature School became a vibrant hub where young students settled into the site and surrounding forest.
Fern Flower - Nature School (FFNS) is a small, multi-age childcare center located in a serene natural setting. We provide care and early learning experiences for a maximum of 8 children aged 0 to 12 years, in both morning and afternoon sessions. We are passionate about fostering a love for nature and a sense of wonder in children through play-based learning, exploration, and creativity. We are currently seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Educator or Assistant (ECE / ECEA) to join our team. This position is part-time (20-25 hours per week).
Our mission is to use the Nature and Forest School model to bring children closer to nature in the early, primary, and secondary years. By cultivating rich learning experiences, children will make a connection with the diverse natural environment our locations have to offer.
Our vision is for your child to play and learn within our local forests with a knowledgeable and experienced educator who understands the importance of play and inquiry-based learning and how this can lead to a healthy child and a more sustainable world.
Our Educators, Certified British Columbia ECE and ECEA, with Outdoor Specialists (Forest School Level 1, 2 and 3), guide children to self-learning and discovery in a ratio of one teacher to eight students or less!
Job Summary:
We are looking for a reliable, caring, and enthusiastic part-time educator to become part of our team.
This is a permanent part-time position, approximately 20–25 hours per week, working 4–5 days per week, primarily during our morning program.
Typical Schedule:
· Monday–Friday mornings: 8:00 AM – 12:15 PM
· Optional afternoon shifts may be available:
o Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: 12:45 PM – 5:00 PM
o Additional hours may be available depending on enrollment and team needs
This position is ideal for someone looking for meaningful part-time work while still having flexibility in their schedule.
What We Are Looking For:
The most important part of this position is finding the right personality and fit for our program.
We are looking for someone who:
o Comfortable working outside every day, rain or shine
o Enjoys all seasons and understands that outdoor learning does not stop because of weather
o Feels energized by nature and outdoor exploration
- Understands Forest School Philosophy
o Believes children learn through play, curiosity, exploration, and hands-on experiences
o Supports safe risk-taking and children’s independence
o Values slowing down, observing, and following children’s interests
o Works well in a small environment where communication and teamwork are essential
o Is comfortable working alongside another educator throughout the day
o Can independently support children while maintaining a positive team dynamic
Your Role:
You will primarily work alongside another educator as part of our two-adult teaching team.
When I (the owner) am away from the floor completing administrative work, appointments, planning, or other program responsibilities, you will help provide consistent care and support for the children.
Your role may include:
- Supporting daily outdoor learning experiences
- Engaging with children through play, exploration, and creativity
- Supporting routines, meals, transitions, and daily care needs
- Observing children’s interests and contributing to emergent curriculum
- Helping maintain a safe, positive, and welcoming environment
- Providing coverage and flexibility when needed
- Before Applying — Please Get To Know Us!
Because Fern Flower is a unique program, we want to make sure this is the right fit for you.
Before applying, we encourage you to spend some time learning about what we do:
Follow us on:
- Facebook: Fern Flower – Nature School
- Instagram: fernflowernatureschool
- TikTok: fernflowernatureschool
Please watch a few videos and explore our social media to understand our daily environment, outdoor philosophy, and the type of learning experiences we provide.
We are looking for someone who watches our program and thinks:
“This is exactly where I want to work.”
Qualifications:
Required:
- Valid BC ECE or ECEA certification
- Current First Aid certification
- Clear criminal record check
- Experience working with young children
Preferred:
- Experience in outdoor education or Forest School settings
- Knowledge of emergent curriculum and child-led learning
- Comfortable working with mixed-age groups
What We Offer:
- Flexible Work Hours: Morning shifts, full-time or part-time options available. FFNS operates half days on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and full days Tuesday to Thursday.
- Competitive Pay: Based on experience and qualifications.
o Start wage for ECE is 22.00 / 28.00 $ per hour (including WE).
o Start wage for ECEA is 19.00 / 21.00 $ per hour.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for Forest School Level 3 certification and other training.
- Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside passionate colleagues in a collaborative, nature-based setting.
- Paid Time Off: Vacation days, personal time, and 12 sick days per year.
- Extra Holiday Breaks: FFNS is closed for 3 weeks out of the year — 1 week in the winter, 1 week in the spring, and 1 week at the end of summer — providing you with additional paid time to rest and recharge.
- Paid Breaks: Enjoy 30-minute paid breaks off the floor to recharge and relax.
- Childcare Available On-Site: Childcare services are available with a 50% parent fee reduction for your own children.
- Paid Planning and Prep Time: 1 hour of paid planning and prep time per week, or more if necessary.
- Small, Intimate Group Size: Work in a setting with a maximum of 8 children, allowing for personalized attention and meaningful connections.
- Nature-Inspired Learning: Work in a truly unique outdoor-focused learning environment that nurtures creativity, exploration, and personal growth.
- Extended Benefits: Currently, FFNS does not offer extended benefits. However, if you require benefits, we are open to discussing options and can look into providing them based on your needs.
Why Join Fern Flower Nature School?
- Small, intimate childcare setting with a maximum of 8 children.
- Flexible hours with morning and afternoon sessions, including half days on Mondays, Fridays and Fridays, and full days Tuesday to Thursday.
- A supportive, collaborative, and nature-based environment.
- Opportunities for professional development, including Forest School training.
At Fern Flower - Nature School, we provide more than just a job — we offer an opportunity to be part of a close-knit team, engage with the natural world, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young children.
How to Apply:
If you feel connected to our philosophy and believe you would be a great fit for our team, we would love to hear from you.
Please send:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- References
Email applications to: [email protected] . Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Learn more about Fern Flower – Nature School: https://fernflowernatureschool.net/ .
We are excited to welcome a new educator who shares our love for children, nature, and outdoor learning.
Pay: $19.00-$28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Childcare assistance
- Flexible schedule
- On-site childcare
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
Application question(s):
- Valid ECE or ECEA Certification?
Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)
Work Location: In person
