Toddler Guide & Family Liaison
Program Overview
The Field School of Hvar is a family slow travel experience, inviting parents and children to find equilibrium and joy on Hvar, an island off the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Children ages four through seventeen develop academic and socio-emotional skills through immersion in the island’s nautical and artisanal heritage, participating in a full-time, drop-off enrichment program 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday. There is also a part-time “parent-and-me” program for toddlers, ages one through three. Our core values are stewardship, integrity, and gentleness.
Location: Hvar Island, Croatia (in-person)
Dates and Hours: The Guide role is a seasonal contract position. Guides work part-time and remotely from February through April, then come to island Hvar for a full-time, in-person engagement from May 2 through October 31 (6 months). Finally, Guides offer another month of part-time, remote work in the month of November. The work week runs from Monday through Friday.
Guide Timeline:
February (start date negotiable) - May 2: Curriculum RESEARCH and DESIGN. Part-time, remote.
May 5 - May 30: TRAIN and PREPARE. Full-time, in-person.
June 2 - October 31: IMPLEMENT. Full-time, in-person.
June 2 - August 29: summer sessions
1pm-2pm, faculty hour
2pm-9pm, teaching
September 1 - 5: no students, internal review and preparation. Full-time, in-person.
September 8 - October 31: fall session. Full-time, in-person.
9am-10am, faculty hour
10am-5pm, teaching
November 3 - November 28: REFINE. Part-time, remote.
Reports to: Field School Director
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Guide to join our vibrant learning community on Hvar Island, Croatia! The Early Childhood Guide is responsible for leading a group of 6 children, ages 1-3 years, and their caregivers through daily nature-based parent-and-me workshops, free play, and learning games 20 hours/week.
An ideal candidate will be passionate about facilitating emergent learning and the spontaneity of an early learning environment. Additionally, they will be able to manage the complexity of parent-and-me learning dynamics - facilitating an enriching experience for all with positive energy. A typical workshop may include process art, beach play, and a song circle inspired by a natural phenomenon.
In addition to guiding the parent/child workshops, this role functions as a part-time Family Liaison. The Family Liaison is responsible for school management processes and must display a high level of professionalism and clarity in communication. This portion of the role will not exceed 20 hours/week.
Responsibilities for this portion of the role include but are not limited to, managing incident, complaint, and expulsion reports; designing and administering metrics strategy; gathering and organizing feedback from parents, children, and colleague; and ensuring compliance with relevant law.
Key Responsibilities
Ensure the safety and well-being of 6 children and their caregivers in indoor and outdoor environments.
Craft and implement a high-quality Early Childhood curriculum that ties to international learning standards and reflects a developmentally appropriate version of the Field School of Hvar’s educational mission.
Guide children and families to manage conflict with restorative justice practices and maintain clear and consistent communications on behavior management with colleagues and parents.
Carry out managerial responsibilities which may include creating school policies, responding to family feedback, and implementing a metrics strategy.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all communication.
Collaborate with fellow educators and staff, creating a wholesome, supportive, and positive community for families
Administer first aid and outdoor rescue should the need arise.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education Leadership, or a related field.
Experience
Minimum of 3 years of experience working in early childhood education settings is highly desirable.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in school administration is preferred.
Skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to create engaging and developmentally appropriate nature-based workshops
Patience, empathy, and a passion for working with young children in an alternative education environment
Basic knowledge of child safety and first aid
Maintains confidentiality and professional communication
School policy writing and implementation
Vertical curriculum development
Conflict resolution
Technical Skills: Impeccable Written Communication in English, Data Entry and Management, Office Software Proficiency, Basic Graphic Design (eg. Canva)
Preferred Qualifications
Reggio Emilia-inspired educators and nature-based educators will find themselves at home in this environment
Experience cooking with children
Professional water sport experience with young kids and water safety training
Responsive Classroom, Conscious Discipline, or similar backgrounds.
Work Environment
This position starts remotely on February 3rd (start date negotiable). The Field School of Hvar is based in the quaint, but vibrant village of Jelsa on Hvar Island, Croatia. The work environment may include exposure to varying weather conditions, such as sun, heat, wind, and occasional rain. The guide should be prepared for outdoor work in diverse conditions and have appropriate attire for both indoor and outdoor activities. The proximity to the sea may offer opportunities for water-based activities, such as supervised beach play, which requires adherence to safety protocols due to water risk.
Physical Requirements
Ability to move around easily in various environments, including classrooms, public playgrounds, and wild outdoor settings.
Capability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and assist toddlers with physical activities such as spotting them while climbing or shoveling dirt.
Ability to bend down, kneel, or sit on the floor to engage with toddlers at their level.
Prolonged periods of standing, walking and/or active play
Salary and Benefits:
Total compensation of €18.75/hour or €1,500/month for part-time and €3,000/month for full-time work.
Relocation allowance of up to €1,000 for each month on Hvar, including health insurance, which costs about €100 per month
Assistance in finding comfortable and affordable accommodations
One fresh, locally sourced meal per day when the program is in session
20% tuition discount for children
Life on a safe, family-oriented island with world-class nature and culture
All faculty from outside the EEA will be sponsored for work permits.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Field School of Hvar is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.