Educational Assistant (Elementary)

• We are hiring Educational Assistants for our multi-aged, nature-based K-5 school.
• EAs will participate in weekly meetings, student assessments and social-emotional development plans, and are responsible for the daily support of children while helping to facilitate child-centered, inquiry-based learning.
• EAs may also support Teachers in the preparation of learning materials, implementation of lesson plans, and daily instruction.
• We have a unique learning environment where we spend a large portion of our day learning in, with, and from nature in an outdoor setting which is then supported and supplemented by learning in our indoor space at our Nature School.
• EAs assist all students in the classroom but will focus on those students with more diverse educational needs.
• We are currently looking for part-time/full-time classroom support as well as 1:1 support.

• Saplings is a brand new nature-based school located in North Vancouver on 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).
• Saplings believe that nature is one of a child’s best educators, and as such, teachers will work in natural landscapes such as forests, stream banks, nearby playgrounds, fields, and parks as they inspire learning, follow the children’s leads to discover the world around them and deliver interesting, experiential, and hands-on lessons.
• Saplings use a holistic approach to education as we strive to inspire a sense of wonder and love for learning.
• Our Educational Assistants are passionate individuals with a deep respect for childhood, reverence for the natural world, and who want to be part of a strong team.

• Assist in a natural environment, spending most of your day outside in nature’s beautiful outdoor classroom areas
• Offering flexible positions with a great work-life balance.
• Mentorship and regular professional development opportunities.
• Competitive remuneration package including Competitive Salary, Life Insurance, Extended Medical, and Dental Benefits.
• Low Child/Educator Ratio, working with a great Team of Educators.

• If you love the outdoors and are seeking a meaningful role in education that aligns your philosophy of nature-based, student-centered programming with quality curriculum delivery, this job is for you!
• Our organization is committed to providing a safe and equitable space for all.
• Our educator’s and student’s right to belong and feel safe is fiercely protected and we implement antiracist, antihomophobic, and anti-transphobic practices.
• We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to apply to a fair and equitable selection process.

• Clean Criminal Record Check
• Current First Aid Certificate
• Experience in support or one-on-one roles with students with diverse educational needs preferred
• Experience working with elementary school-aged students
• Experience working in an outdoor setting or in a multi-aged classroom preferred

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.