Early Childhood Specialist

Job Title: Early Childhood Specialist

Reports To: Program Director

FSLA Status: Seasonal, non-exempt

Salary: $20-$25 per hour depending on experience; weekly earnings average $750–$1,000+ depending on assignments and overnights.

Position Summary:Telluride Academy is seeking enthusiastic, imaginative, and high-energy Early Childhood Specialists to lead our dynamic early childhood programs! These camps (primarily day camps, Monday-Thursday) are designed for our youngest explorers, ages 5 to 8, offering an unforgettable mix of fun, discovery, and growth. If you're passionate about inspiring young minds and fostering early childhood development, this is your chance to make a difference. Best of all, you'll have the opportunity to ignite a lifelong love for the great outdoors, weaving outdoor education and nature adventures into every magical moment!

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Facilitation

• Plan and implement daily programming for early childhood programs (mostly ages 5-8) aligned with established itineraries, ensuring activities meet organizational goals and program objectives.

• Deliver age-appropriate activities, workshops, and lessons that inspire creativity, personal growth, and learning.

• Facilitate a range of activities, including field games, day hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, arts and crafts, and more.

• Adjust plans as needed to respond to changes in weather, participant needs, or other unforeseen circumstances while maintaining program integrity.
• Demonstrate flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure smooth and effective program delivery.
• Work closely and collaboratively with co-instructors and other staff members to deliver high-quality programs throughout the summer.
• Organize and maintain weekly field reports, manage program logistics, and oversee program budgets as assigned.
• Teach Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and foster a culture of environmental stewardship among participants.
• Promote leadership, teamwork, and personal development through guided experiences and discussions.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned or deemed necessary by administration to support the organization's goals and operations.

Student/Camper Engagement:

• • Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment by encouraging teamwork, communication, and mutual respect among participants.

• Serve as a role model, mentor, and guide for participants, helping them build confidence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.

• Set clear expectations and model respectful, positive behavior.
• Proactively address and de-escalate conflicts or challenges in a calm, constructive manner.
• Utilize effective behavior management and positive discipline techniques to maintain group cohesion and engagement.

Safety & Risk Management:

• Ensure a safe, fun, and educational environment for all participants by following safety protocols and best practices.
• Actively supervise campers to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Respond to minor incidents or emergencies in the field.

Qualifications:

• A passion for working with young children in outdoor and experiential learning environments.
• Current CPR and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification (or ability to obtain prior to start). Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate program vehicles safely (if applicable).
• Must successfully pass background checks in accordance with organizational and state requirements.

Working Conditions:

• Ability to work indoors or outdoors for prolonged periods of time in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.

• Willingness to work in remote, wilderness, or high-altitude environments with limited facilities.

• Comfort with exposure to insects, wildlife, and natural elements as part of outdoor programming.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and extended shifts, based on program needs.

• Ability to travel to and from program locations, including remote trailheads or campgrounds.

Additional Requirements:

• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely and repeatedly during the workday.

• Maintain physical activity for up to 8–10 hours daily, including hiking and navigating rugged terrain.

• Lead group activities and provide instruction to diverse age groups.

• Communicate effectively with children, staff, and parents in a positive and professional manner.

• Swim and assist in water-based activities as needed.

About Telluride Academy:

Telluride Academy is committed to “Inspiring children and teens through experiential education that promotes physical activity, creative learning, environmental stewardship, responsibility to others and positive life choices." Based in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride Academy is Telluride's premier summer camp and has been inspiring youth through outdoor education and adventure for over 40 years. Join us in creating unforgettable memories for the next generation of adventurers! Please www.tellurideacademy.org to learn more.  

Core Values:

• Enrichment through experiential education.
• Inclusion of children and teens from all backgrounds.
• Respect for individual uniqueness.
• Responsible environmental stewardship.

Hiring Policy:

Telluride Academy (TA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Telluride Academy's management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.

TA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee related to an individual's: physical or mental disability; sincerely held religious beliefs and practices; and/or any other reason required by applicable law, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship upon TA's business operations.