Early Childhood Educator - Discovery Center
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.
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.
- 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.
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 actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, genetic information status, pregnancy, childbirth (or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), work authorization status, or other protected group as provided by law.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested in the course of employment. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities to perform this job successfully; the incumbent will possess the abilities or aptitude to perform each duty proficiently. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” employment relationship. The Company reserves the right to change the requirements of the position to meet the changing needs of the Company. Changes may include, but are not limited to, the essential duties and the qualifications required for the position.
Please direct questions, applications, and resumes to Lana Paris, Associate Director at:
815-972-2841 or [email protected]
The Early Childhood Educator will play a key role in overseeing early learning efforts at Discovery Center Museum. 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 young children.
