ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Children’s Museum’s mission is to provoke lifelong experiential learning and innovation among children, adults, and their communities. We do this by offering hands-on fun and STEAM activities for younger children, their caregivers, community organizations, and schools. At the Museum and in classrooms throughout Connecticut (and beyond), we encourage children to become creative thinkers and lifelong learners. Children engage in our interactive demonstrations, workshops, multi-sensory exhibits, wildlife sanctuary, and other special events. Our unique Children’s Museum Preschool, located within our West Hartford campus, integrates science and play-based experiences into early childhood learning. Nearby Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton offers animal and environmental exhibits, nature programs, birthday parties, scout activities, concerts, hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and is home to our Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic.

The Children’s Museum Group will inspire life-long learning among children and their caregivers by providing experiential learning programs covering STEAM/STEM, health, nature, and the environment. Entertaining, stimulating, and unique to the area, our programs will assist the development of curious, confident, and innovative children creating the basis for successful adults. In so doing, The Children’s Museum will continue to be a valued asset and partner in the community.

ABOUT THE POSITION

We are hiring qualified Preschool/Pre-K assistant teachers to support the Lead Teachers in the classroom. All Preschool staff must have great love and patience for children. Qualifications needed to teach them effectively include knowledge of best practices and preschool educational methods as well as the ability to engage them and earn their trust and attention. The goal is to contribute to the healthy mental and emotional development of the child so they can more easily acclimate to the next level of education.

Responsibilities

• Deliver engaging and creative activities suitable for preschool children.
• Employ a variety of educational techniques (storytelling, educational play, media, etc.) to teach children.
• Observe each child and help them improve their social competencies and build self-esteem.
• Encourage children to interact with each other and resolve occasional arguments.
• Guide children to develop their artistic and practical capabilities through a carefully constructed curriculum (identify shapes, numbers, or colors, do crafts, etc.).
• Organize nap and snack hours and supervise children to ensure they are safe at all times.
• Track children’s progress and report to lead teachers.
• Communicate with parents regularly to understand the children’s background and psyche.
• Collaborate with other educators.
• Maintain a clean and tidy classroom consistent with health and safety standards.

Skills

• Proven experience in a childcare setting.
• Basic Understanding of the principles of child development and preschool educational methods.
• Familiarity with safety and sanitation guidelines for classrooms.
• Excellent communication and instructional skills.
• Ability to act as a mediator between children.
• Cool-tempered, friendly, and reliable.
• A balance between a creative mind and a practical acumen.
• Certification in child CPR and first aid is preferred prior to hire. New employees who do not possess valid certification will be taken into consideration and will need to acquire certification within a period of three months from their date of employment.

Qualifications

• Associate (Preferred)
• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)
• First Aid Certification (Preferred)

Schedule: The Museum Preschool is open Monday to Friday 8 am-5 pm. Shifts range from 12-40 hours per week. Full and part-time positions are available.

Location: 180 Mohegan Dr, West Hartford, CT 06117

Job Type: Part-Time or Full–Time and is Non-Exempt

Pay: Ranges from $15.69-$17 per hour. Entry wage will be determined by candidates level of education and qualifications as outlined in the CT Office of Early Childhood experience levels.

Apply in-person: Mon-Fri 9:30 am-4 pm at The Children’s Museum and Preschool, 180 Mohegan Drive West Hartford, CT 06117

Apply with Indeed: Interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter to the email provided. Resumes will not be considered without a cover letter.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $15.69 - $17.00 per hour

Expected hours: 12 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Early childhood education: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Child CPR Certification (Preferred)
• First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• Teaching Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• West Hartford, CT 06117: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person