Nature Preschool Residential Staff

Help Children Discover the Wonder of the Outdoors

Spend a year helping young children learn, explore, and grow through nature.

As a Nature Preschool Residential Staff, you’ll work alongside experienced educators in Ferncliff Nature School, supporting outdoor learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong connection to the natural world.

More than a volunteer position, this is an opportunity to become part of a community while gaining hands-on experience in nature-based early childhood education. You’ll live on-site at Ferncliff, serve alongside passionate mentors, and help create meaningful experiences for children every day.

Whether you’re taking a gap year, exploring a career in education, interested in outdoor learning, or looking for a meaningful year of service, this position offers the opportunity to grow professionally while making a lasting impact.

What You’ll Experience

As a Nature Preschool Residential Staff, you’ll assist teachers in creating engaging outdoor learning experiences for preschool-aged children while becoming part of the Ferncliff community.

Your work may include:

• Supporting daily outdoor exploration and play

• Assisting teachers with nature-based lessons and activities

• Building relationships with children and families

• Helping prepare learning environments and materials

• Supporting before- and after-care programming

• Assisting with WILDCraft homeschool programming

• Helping care for classrooms and outdoor learning spaces

• Participating in professional development throughout the year

Every day looks a little different, but each one is rooted in helping children build confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a love of the outdoors.

Why Ferncliff?

Ferncliff Nature School believes children learn best through meaningful experiences in nature. As part of the Residential Volunteer Program, you’ll gain practical experience in nature-based education while becoming part of a community committed to caring for Creation, serving others, and supporting one another.

Volunteers receive:

• On-site housing

• Living stipend and food allowance

• Mentorship from experienced educators

• Professional development opportunities

• First Aid/CPR/AED certification

• A year of meaningful service in one of Arkansas’s leading nature-based education programs

Who Should Apply?

We’re looking for people who enjoy working with young children, appreciate spending time outdoors in every season, and are eager to learn.

Experience in education or childcare is helpful, but curiosity, flexibility, compassion, and a willingness to grow are just as important.

If you’re excited about helping children connect with nature while becoming part of a welcoming community, we’d love to hear from you.