Wild Child Playgarden & Widlschooling
Nosara, Costa Rica
Start Date: December 2, 2024
Location: Nosara, Costa Rica
Dates: December 2024 – April 2025 (with the possibility of extension)
About You:
You are a dedicated and creative educator with a background in Waldorf education, committed to your personal growth. You adapt easily to children’s needs and are open to integrating Reggio Emilia principles into your practice. The outdoors inspires you, and you enjoy activities like hiking, swimming, and camping. You are comfortable in all weather conditions and thrive in a multicultural, bilingual environment. Your leadership skills and warm, compassionate approach make you an asset to the team.
Responsibilities:
– Lead children in songs, group games, storytelling, poetry, and rituals as part of the daily rhythm.
– Facilitate artistic and handwork projects and movement activities.
– Foster creativity and imaginative play through unstructured free play.
– Guide children through an emergent, child-led curriculum inspired by Reggio Emilia, using nature as the classroom (jungle, river, waterfalls, ocean).
– Plan and lead risk-supported outdoor activities that encourage exploration and courage.
– Maintain a bilingual (English/Spanish) environment where language learning happens naturally.
– Adapt lesson plans to align with children’s interests and discoveries.
– Build strong relationships with families, regularly communicating about their children’s progress.
– Observe, document, and reflect on each child’s learning journey.
Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
– At least two years of experience in Waldorf, Forest School, Montessori, or Reggio Emilia settings.
– Experience creating parent-child classes and facilitating activities.
– Proficiency in early literacy (reading and writing); experience with math and science is a plus.
– Knowledge of project-based learning and outdoor education principles.
– Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with parents and colleagues.
– Fluent in English; Spanish proficiency preferred.
Salary & Benefits:
Salary: $2,200 – $2,750 per month for 30 hours/week (includes lesson planning and meetings).
Meals: Provided Monday through Friday.
Accommodation: Assistance with securing housing and transport.
Potential for extension based on performance.
How to Apply:
To learn more about Wild Child Playgarden & Wildschooling, visit www.dandelionwildschooling.org. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter answering the following questions:
Why are you interested in joining our team?
How do you meet the qualifications?
Why did you become a teacher, and what are your passions outside of teaching?
What brings you joy?
Please send your application materials to info@dandelionwildschooling.org.
About Us:
Wild Child Playgarden & Wildschooling offers holistic, bilingual (English/Spanish) educational programs tailored for children of nomadic families from the USA, Canada, and Europe. Nestled in the lush beauty of Nosara, Costa Rica, our program draws inspiration from Waldorf, Forest School, and Reggio Emilia approaches.
Our mission is to educate the whole child in harmony with the natural world. We emphasize ocean knowledge, swimming, surfing, and permaculture, helping children build deep connections with the jungle and ocean. Children learn about biodynamic gardening, sustainability, and environmental stewardship while exploring the wilderness around them.
Why Nosara?
Nosara is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant jungles, and world-class surf. A global community of eco-conscious families, surfers, and travelers calls Nosara home. With its balance of natural beauty and cultural richness, Nosara offers a unique place to live and work, where you can enjoy hiking, jungle exploration, wellness activities, and breathtaking sunsets.
Please send your application materials to info@dandelionwildschooling.org
Together, we are empowering exceptional education.