Jewish Early Childhood Forest Educator 🌿

Location:
CBI Forest School | Charlottesville, VA 22902

Start Date: August 10, 2026

Description, Responsibilities, & Duties

CBI Forest School in Charlottesville, Virginia is seeking a warm, joyful, and reflective educator to join our early childhood team.
At CBI Forest School, children spend their days exploring outdoors while experiencing the rhythms of Jewish life through nature. Inspired by both Forest School and Reggio Emilia philosophies, we believe learning emerges through relationships, inquiry, creativity, and meaningful engagement with the natural world.

Teachers spend the majority of the day outdoors in all seasons, listening closely to children’s ideas and helping transform their questions and interests into meaningful investigations.

We’re looking for an educator who is:

Passionate about early childhood education
Inspired by Reggio Emilia, emergent curriculum, and child-led learning
Excited by nature-based and experiential education
Grounded in Jewish values and community
Creative, collaborative, and reflective
Comfortable teaching and learning outdoors in all weather

Minimum Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with young children in an early childhood setting

Deep understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practice
Ability to build warm, responsive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
Ability and willingness to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions
Commitment to reflective practice, ongoing professional growth, and team collaboration

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Forest School, nature-based, outdoor, or environmental education settings
Familiarity with pedagogical documentation and making children’s learning visible
Knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, holidays, and culture, or a willingness to learn

CBI Forest School welcomes educators from diverse backgrounds who are inspired by our mission and excited to help children experience the joy of learning, community, and Jewish life with mud on their boots and wonder in their hearts.

Salary & Benefits

$42,000–$52,000 annually
Medical insurance
Dental and vision insurance options
Paid time off, including school holidays and Jewish holidays
Professional development funding and conference opportunities
CPR/First Aid and outdoor education training support
Retirement plan participation
Tuition discount for children enrolled in CBI Forest School program

Application Procedures

Cover letter describing your educational philosophy and interest in nature-based, Reggio-inspired, and/or Jewish education
Current resume
Three professional references
Any relevant certifications (CPR/First Aid, Forest School training, teaching license, etc.)

Program Description

CBI Forest School is a Jewish- Reggio Inspired nature-based preschool and elementary program located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Serving children ages 18 months through 4th grade, our school weaves together Jewish wisdom, environmental stewardship, inquiry-based learning, and daily outdoor exploration.

Inspired by both Forest School and Reggio Emilia philosophies, we believe children learn best through relationships, curiosity, play, and meaningful engagement with the natural world. Our educators listen closely to children’s questions and interests, helping transform their ideas into investigations that foster creativity, critical thinking, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning.

Children spend the majority of each day outdoors in all seasons, exploring forests, creeks, gardens, and open spaces while developing a deep connection to themselves, their community, and the earth.

At CBI Forest School, we believe that childhood should be filled with wonder, adventure, belonging, and joy. Our children learn with mud on their boots, questions on their minds, and a deep sense of connection to the world around them.

Contact Info

Interested? We'd love to connect https://www.cbiforestschool.com
For more information:
Jill Abbey-Clark
director@cbiforestschool.com

Job Opportunity