Early Childhood Educator - Discovery Center

Overview""

Title: Early Childhood Educator
Department: Discovery Center Museum
Reports To: Director of Education
Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt
Wage: $40,000 - $50,000 Annually

Position Overview: The Education specialist is responsible for delivering fun, innovative, and informal learning experiences to children and families at Discovery Center. This position will work closely with the education team to develop engaging, educational programs, and support the development of interactive exhibits that foster growth and learning in children. Schedule is Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.

The position will require the ability to work occasional evening and weekend events.

Discovery Center: Discovery Center Museum in Rockford, Illinois is dedicated to hands-on learning in the arts and sciences through more than 300 exciting exhibits spread over two floors and an award winning outdoor Discovery Park. We serve children, parents, and educators from the Rockford region and beyond through both Museum visits and outreach programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

• Program Delivery & Facilitation:
  Design and facilitate age-appropriate educational programs and classes that align with early childhood learning standards.
• Collaborate with the education team to develop thematic programs and curriculum that engage children and their families.
• Set up and cleanup program spaces and classrooms, ensuring materials are well-organized and in good condition.
• Maintain program supplies and report any inventory needs.
• Work with the education department with planning and implementing events, classes, outreach programs, science demonstrations, facilitating programs in the museum, etc.

• Community Engagement: Organize and facilitate workshops, events, and playgroups that encourage community involvement in early childhood education.
• First time parent program: Plan and facilitate quarterly events and playgroups;
  Communicate with families about upcoming events, membership expiration dates, etc.
• Be the Discovery Center representative for Week of the Young Child.

• Assessment & Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs and exhibits to inform continuous improvement.
• Collect feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance future initiatives.

• Other: Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating within the education team and other departments to ensure cohesive and comprehensive visitor experiences.
• Provide suggestions for exhibit content based on educational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: Experience working with young children in an educational setting.
• Strong understanding of early learning principles and best practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for informal educational environments.

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, occasionally lift from floor to waist, and occasionally reach above shoulder height to access supplies. Must be able to push, pull and lift up to 40 lbs. Must also be able to maintain friendly and courteous interactions with museum staff and visitors in a moderately noisy environment.

Discovery Center considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and holidays.

Discovery Center is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunity without unlawful regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth (or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), work authorization status, or other protected group…