Lead Forest Mentor

Overview

Job Title:
Lead Forest Mentor – Little Coyotes Forest Kinder (Ages 3–6)

Location: Sacramento, CA (Carmichael area)

Schedule: 5 shifts per week, Monday-Friday, 8:45 AM – 2:15 PM, with additional hours outside of class time for preparations, parent communication, event planning, staff meetings

Compensation: $23–$25 per hour, depending on experience

About Little Coyotes Forest Kinder

Little Coyotes Forest Kinder is a land-based program rooted in child-led learning, compassion, and outdoor exploration. We create a nurturing environment where children can connect with the land, engage in creative play, and grow through meaningful relationships and experiences.

Position Overview

The Lead Forest Mentor is at the heart of the Little Coyotes program, guiding our Little Coyotes (ages 3–6) with warmth, presence, and a deep respect for nature and childhood. This role calls for a reliable, compassionate, and grounded leader who thrives outdoors in all weather, loves children, loves working with our parent community, and is inspired by the principles of child-led learning and forest school philosophy.

The Lead Forest Mentor creates and holds a welcoming and supportive environment for children, families, volunteers and staff. This includes setting the daily rhythm, leading activities, fostering emotional safety, and modeling compassionate communication. You ll open and close the class day, prepare curriculum materials and weather-appropriate gear, and communicate verbally and in writing to families, participating parents, and staff.

• Create a warm, inclusive, and child-centered class culture.
• Open and close each day with rhythm and intention.
• Guide the flow of the day in alignment with forest school and child-led learning principles.
• Prepare curriculum materials and ensure appropriate gear is available for each day s weather.
• Model and facilitate compassionate communication and non-violent conflict resolution.
• Foster strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and staff.
• Send welcome emails before each new session and weekly updates to parents and staff.
• Send pictures and recap emails to families each month to commemorate our time on the land.
• Arrive 15 minutes before and stay 15 minutes after class for prep and communication.
• Review and maintain awareness of student needs, allergies, and emergency information.
• Collaborate with participating parents and staff to ensure the wellbeing of all students.
• Help maintain and care for materials and outdoor spaces.

• Preferred: 3+ years of experience working with young children.
• Passion for child-led,
  land-based learning and forest school principles.
• Strong commitment to compassionate, non-violent communication practices.
• Enthusiasm for working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Reliable, grounded, and emotionally present with children and adults alike.
• Comfortable with parent communication and sending clear, respectful emails.
• Available for 2–5 shifts per week, 8:45 AM – 2:15 PM, with additional time for prep and follow-up.

• A supportive, values-driven team environment.
• Seasonal staff trainings for our team
• Staff events to further your own connection with our team and nature.
• Sick and Paid Time Off for full-time employees

If you are a heart-centered educator who feels at home under the trees, believes in the power of play, and delights in child-led wonder, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your cover letter and resume to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and fill out our online application, here:
Little Coyotes Lead Forest Mentor Application