Early Childhood Lead Educator
6 days ago
Wichita
Job Description Job Summary The Early Childhood Lead Educator assists in researching, creating, and presenting early childhood programs and curriculum. This position fosters an environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of the preschool participants. The Lead Educator serves as a leader in lesson planning, program facilitation, and classroom management, while ensuring compliance with KDHE licensing regulations for preschool and child care. This role works in collaboration with preschool teachers, the Early Childhood Education Specialist, and other zoo staff. Primary Job Functions Program Development & Documentation • With input from preschool teachers, develop daily written lesson plans for Animal Tales Preschool., • Assist Early Childhood Education Specialist in developing other early childhood programs as assigned., • Create programs and curriculum that align with state curricular standards, current educational trends, and nature-based practices., • Communicate lesson plans and expectations of programs to instructional staff., • Assist in creating family activities for Animal Tales preschool which may include family field trips, special programs and an end of the year picnic., • Ensure that all student paperwork is up-to-date., • Make sure that rosters are filled out daily., • Document all continuing education from staff received throughout the year for KDHE certification., • Observe children and make accurate notes of progress and development., • Complete accident/incident reports for any child injured and ensure the Early Childhood Education Specialist is notified., • Notify the child’s family immediately if the child requires medical attention or at pick-up for more minor injuries., • Lead preschool students in presentation and hands-on nature-based activities using positive engagement skills., • Effectively engage diverse ages, learning levels, and abilities at the same time while holding interest and engaging the audience., • Apply knowledge of local flora, fauna, and natural history to enhance teaching in nature preschool setting., • Constantly adjust techniques and methods as needed to be most effective., • Prepare supplies and technology necessary to facilitate program., • Lead in planning and implementing activities that meet the physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs of all students., • Adapt daily routines and lesson plans to meet the interests and needs of the individual child and the group., • Ensure continuous supervision of children and effectively manage classroom groups of up to 15 students, maintaining safety and engagement., • Support the inclusion of children with special needs in a respectful and developmentally appropriate manner., • Maintain classroom cleanliness and order by replenishing supplies and tidying after sessions., • Demonstrate knowledge of all safety procedures and lead children safely during drills and emergencies., • Productively interact with preschool families and zoo guests in both formal and informal settings., • With input from teachers and approval from the Early Childhood Education Specialist, make an action plan for any child who is excelling or struggling. Communicate with parents to inform, seek input, and work together to support the child and family., • Warmly welcome and respect all families, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages parent involvement, • Share information on literacy, child development, and early education best practices with families., • Establish a nurturing relationship with children and serve as a positive role model., • Treat children gently and positively while encouraging individuality and positive self-esteem., • Complete required training and safely operate all zoo-required equipment for completion of job duties., • Interact regularly with preschool staff, children, parents, guests, education, public relations, and development departments., • Participate in a variety of professional development activities for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions and to improve achievement, to keep up with current best practices in early childhood education., • Demonstrate compassion, consistency, and fairness, cultural awareness and sensitivity, flexibility, and respectfulness. Minimum Qualifications: • Associate’s degree required in early childhood education or related field or C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) credential., • Three years of paid experience in a licensed preschool., • CPR Certified, or the willingness to obtain certification within the first six months of job., • Must pass a comprehensive criminal and fingerprint background check., • Must submit a health certificate and negative TB test or chest X-ray., • Ability to complete a minimum of 16 plus certified continuing education hours per year., • Bachelor’s in early childhood, environmental education, natural sciences, interpretation, or related field., • Two years of paid experience as a lead teacher, assistant director, or director in a licensed preschool.