Early Childhood Coordinator

The Early Childhood Coordinator is a member of the Education Department's Early Childhood Team and supports the daily operation, facilitation, and activation of early childhood learning environments, including the Little Explorers Classroom and Little FarmHouse exhibit. This position creates engaging learning experiences, interacts directly with Museum guests, assists in developing early childhood programming, prepares program materials, and supports professional learning opportunities for educators and caregivers.

The Early Childhood Coordinator works with general admission guests, guests in registered programs, and teachers through professional development.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Facilitate guest engagement in the Little Explorers Classroom, maintaining a safe, welcoming, and engaging learning environment. Facilitate early childhood registered programs.


2. Design and prepare early childhood activations, including activity concepts, materials preparation, and visual guides.


3. Ensure materials, tools, and supplies are organized, maintained, and ready for guest use. Follow internal guidelines for sanitizing and closing museum spaces. 


4. Engage with children and caregivers in the Little FarmHouse exhibit, promoting safe, developmentally appropriate play experiences while maintaining a welcoming environment.


5. Train or assist Museum staff in implementing Early Childhood activations when needed.


6. Provide support across Early Childhood events and activities, including those with adult learners.


7. Perform other duties as assigned by the Early Childhood Development Specialist. During open times, serve as backup across the Education Department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop creative, hands-on early childhood learning activities.


• Ability to facilitate engaging experiences for groups of varying sizes and ages.


• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage diverse materials and supplies.


• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, caregivers, volunteers, and colleagues.


• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Canva.


• Ability to guide guest behavior to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.


• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.


• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


• Ability to maintain safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments.

Education and Experience

• Degree in Early Childhood or related field. Teaching certification is preferred.


• Experience working with families and knowledge of child development and STEAM preferred.


• Minimum of two years’ experience working with children from birth to age 5 in a group setting.


• Experience in presenting or facilitating programs preferred.

Supervises

None

Working Conditions

Work occurs on the Museum floor and in behind-the-scenes preparation areas. Evening, weekend, and holiday work required.

• Saturday availability required.


• Holidays worked according to team rotation.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.


• Frequently bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor while interacting with young children.


• Lift, carry, push, and transport program materials and supplies up to 30 pounds.


• Use hands and arms to prepare materials and facilitate hands-on learning activities.


• Communicate effectively with children, caregivers, Team Members, and volunteers in active Museum environments.

Additional Qualifications

• Must successfully complete a criminal background check prior to employment.


• Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification (or the ability to obtain certification within a specified period) is preferred or may be required.