Nature-Based Program | Ann Arbor Area
ECE Subhub is seeking an energetic, adaptable Long-Term Early Childhood Substitute Teacher to support one of our nature-immersive partner programs in the Ann Arbor area. This is a great opportunity for an educator who loves the outdoors, embraces child-led exploration, and enjoys working in a diverse, inclusive early childhood community.
This placement is with a program that spends the majority of each day outside exploring natural playscapes, gardens, and the surrounding community — rain, shine, mud, or snow. Educators who thrive in this environment enjoy staying active, getting messy, and supporting children as they learn through movement, nature, creativity, and hands-on discovery.
The program operates across multiple locations, including Upper School, two Lower School locations, and a Spanish Immersion Center. Each site offers a unique environment designed to encourage curiosity, independence, and meaningful exploration.
Ages: 6 weeks–2.5 years
Child-to-teacher ratio: 4:1
Daily attendance: Approximately 25 children
Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
The Lower School provides a warm, nurturing environment for infants and toddlers. Children are cared for in small, loving family-style groups where mixed-age play, responsive caregiving, and nature-based routines are part of each day.
Program features include:
Nature-based themes woven into daily routines
Small, family-style classroom groups
Organic morning and afternoon snacks
Cloth-diaper friendly practices
Baby-wearing supportive environment
A nurturing, relationship-centered approach to infant and toddler care
Ages: 2.5–5 years
Child-to-teacher ratio: 8:1
Daily attendance: Approximately 30 children
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
The Upper School is designed for active, curious preschoolers who learn through exploration, collaboration, and outdoor play. Children spend much of the day in natural playscapes, gardens, and community spaces where they can investigate, create, and build confidence.
Program features include:
Classrooms designed for exploration across subjects and materials
Daily outdoor learning and play
Natural playscapes and garden spaces
Community walks and neighborhood exploration
Child-led discovery and hands-on learning experiences
This partner program is deeply committed to creating an inclusive, affirming environment for children, families, and staff. The community welcomes people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences, including a strong and visible LGBTQ+ community.
Educators who are successful in this placement bring openness, authenticity, respect, and a genuine commitment to helping every child feel safe, valued, and supported.
This opportunity is open to both emerging and experienced educators.
As a Long-Term Early Childhood Substitute Teacher, you will support the daily routines and learning experiences of a nature-based classroom. Depending on the needs of the program, you may assist with or lead:
Outdoor learning and exploration
Classroom routines and transitions
Child-led play and hands-on activities
Relationship-building with children and staff
Curriculum implementation and daily learning experiences
Infant, toddler, or preschool care routines
Safe supervision during indoor, outdoor, and community-based activities
Educators in this program view children as capable, curious learners who grow through exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and meaningful interactions with the natural world.
At ECE Subhub, you’ll be supported every step of the way. We provide training, guidance, and ongoing support so you feel prepared and confident in your placement.
This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy early childhood education and are looking for meaningful, flexible work with young children.
Benefits of working with ECE Subhub include:
Work with children ages 0–5
Consistent weekly availability required, with a minimum of two days per week
Great fit for retirees, college students, career changers, and those re-entering the workforce
Comprehensive training and ongoing support
Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood classrooms
Supportive team environment
Candidates must meet one of the following qualifications:
Current CDA, or
Associate’s degree, or
18 college credits in one of the following areas:
Early Childhood Education
Special Education
Child Development
Social Work
Human Services
Youth or Family Studies
Elementary Education
Comfortable spending extended time outdoors in all seasons
Warm, dependable, and flexible
Respectful of children’s individuality and developmental needs
Excited about nature-based, child-led learning
Comfortable getting messy, staying active, and engaging in outdoor play
Inclusive, open-minded, and respectful of diverse communities
Able to build positive relationships with children, families, and staff
ECE Subhub's mission is to connect programs to professional staff strengthening the integrity of the early care and education community for young children.
Our vision is to address the challenges of early care and education by leveraging relationships and improving the experience of children, families, and staff.
Our Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Community, Equity
Long and short term substitute teacher placement for Early Childhood programs is our specialty!
