Early Childhood Instructor - FT at Optalis

San Antonio, Texas, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

09 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

11 May, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Early Childhood Education, Curriculum Development, Classroom Management, STEM Integration, Early Literacy, TDFPS Compliance, NAEYC Standards, Mentorship, Program Evaluation, Problem Solving, Communication Skills, Spanish Fluency

Industry

Description

Early Childhood Instructor About The DoSeum The DoSeum is San Antonio’s only museum exclusively devoted to children ages 11 and under. As the city’s premier resource for early learners, their caregivers, and their educators, we cultivate innovative thinkers capable of mastering the opportunities of tomorrow. Featuring more than 100,000 square feet of interactive exhibits— both indoor and outdoor—The DoSeum promotes constructivist, inquiry-based learning related to STEAM and early literacy. Our mission is to grow curious minds, connect families and transform communities through joyful learning and discovery. JOB SUMMARY The Early Childhood Instructor will serve as a lead teacher for the museum's preschool programs (early childhood education, or ECE). The DoSeum's ECE initiative features a State-licensed preschool-known as The Little DOers-as its flagship program, which offers a DoSeum-developed curriculum across two classrooms to children (ages 3 and 4) from September through May. Also critical to the museum's ECE initiative is the summer and school-holiday camp program, featuring multiple-day camps dedicated to early learners. Reporting to the Early Childhood Educator, who also serves as the Director of The Little DOers preschool, the successful candidate will possess a passion for early childhood education and understand the needs of early learners and their caregivers through the use of proven educational frameworks and pedagogical approaches. Ideal candidates are inspired by the challenge of teaching a suite of curricula that integrate STEM, the arts, and early literacy, and are adept at working within-and contribute to-a positive teambased setting. A thorough understanding of State-issued requirements for childcare programs will be required, while directly supporting the program director to ensure that standards are maintained at the highest level. In addition to classroom settings, instructional responsibilities also include troubleshooting and re-setting exhibition technology when teaching within the museum's galleries, as well as the resetting and resupply of exhibition spaces for learners, as needed. The Early Childhood Instructor serves as a primary face and voice of the organization, interacting with young learners and their caregivers. Successful candidates are personable and approachable, project positive energy, present in the moment, creative, and must have strong people and problem-solving skills. They are respectful to Little DOer families, museums Guests, and fellow employees. Responsibilities also include the oversight of ECE program supplies, mentorship of other educational staff for teaching young learners, program development, and potentially serving as a content and pedagogical liaison for The DoSeum's exhibition team. The Early Childhood Instructor is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position which will be paid based on the hours worked. This is a benefits eligible position. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES * Lead classroom instruction for the museum's Little DOers preschool and other ECE programming, including but not limited to week-long summer and school-holiday camps. * Alongside Early Program Educator, contribute to standards-based curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. Coach and mentor other DoSeum educators in the delivery of designed programs. * Comply with Minimum Standard Rules of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) under which the schools are licensed by the State of Texas. * Maintain required training and related State-mandated requirements for Little DOers program. * Consult with and observe the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Early Childhood Program Standards. * Monitor materials and supplies for ECE-based programs, in coordination with the Early Program Educator. * Consistently and effectively interact with caregivers of prospective and current program participants. * Continually conducts research on best practices at other museums and industry standards related to early childhood education, and integrates relevant practices at The DoSeum. * Assists with program evaluation based on DoSeum-created or relevant external rubrics. * Must be occasionally available to conduct or oversee programming on select nights and weekends. OTHER FUNCTIONS AND ATTRIBUTES * Project a positive and respectful attitude toward the organization and co-workers. Model and ensure that actions, appearance, attitude, and attendance are at a level suitable for the organization. * Serve as a positive, fair, and dynamic team player and leader-outwardly and obviously friendly-to foster intra- and interdepartmental work and relationships. * Serve as an ambassador for The DoSeum in communicating and furthering the mission and goals of the institution, with particular emphasis on early childhood programming. * Attend all trainings assigned and pertaining to the position and adhere to standards and practices established in DoSeum policies, protocols, and standard operating guidelines. * Passion for informal education and inspiring curiosity and wonder in young learners. * Meticulous attention to detail, with strong organizational skills. * Travel locally as needed. * Perform additional duties as required or requested. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * High school degree or GED required. * Experience with published education-based standards and incorporation into instructional practice. * Enthusiastic and approachable, with proven ability to work closely with children/families enrolled in museum ECE programs. * Strong communication and motivational skills. Must be positive, present, and highly professional for early learners and their families during programming and program-related communications. * Demonstrated diplomacy, tact, and self-confidence. PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS * Bachelor's degree in education, museum studies, or curriculum-related field (STEM, arts, or literacy). Will consider candidates actively enrolled in and pursuing a bachelor's degree and/or one year of related experience. * Prior experience with preschool classroom instruction, which could include experience within a formal classroom, informal educational environment, or daycare setting. Minimum one year preferred. * Fluency in Spanish, including ability to read, write, and communicate with Guests, highly desirable but not required. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Flexible working hours; may require working early mornings, weekends, evenings, and holidays * Variable exposure to noise, weather, and elements. * Constant working with the public and employees. * Regularly required to stand, sit, walk for extended periods of time * Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the Early Childhood Instructor . They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position, which can be revised real-time at the discretion of the Chief Pogram Officer. The DoSeum is an equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

Lead classroom instruction for the Little DOers preschool and ECE programming, including summer and holiday camps. Contribute to standards-based curriculum development and ensure compliance with State of Texas childcare regulations.