Educator, Community Programs

The department of Community Programs and Inclusion at Please Touch Museum develops and delivers accessible, mission-driven programming that connects diverse communities to the Museum through play-based learning experiences. Members of the Department of Community Programs and Inclusion facilitate and develop Journey Together programs, field trips, and general museum programming. Journey Together is a grant funded program exclusively for children, ages 8 months to 5 years old, and their caretakers. This position will require an experienced knowledge of the value of learning through play. Community Programs Educators are expected to interact with families with compassion and excitement. It is essential that Community Programs Educators show an interest and knowledge in our surrounding communities of Parkside, Mantua, and Belmont. They will be expected to engage children and caretakers in the importance of learning through play while also developing critical social emotional skills for children who participate in Journey Together programs and all respective Community Programs engagements. Community Programs Educators must have a collaborative attitude, an ability to implement lesson plans as designed while improvising creatively when necessary for this position, and a willingness to travel offsite as it relates to the purview of Community Programs and Inclusion assignments.

This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.

This position is funded by a specific grant award and is subject to the availability of those funds.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate interdisciplinary, innovative, and play-based instruction during Journey Together program sessions.
• Lead and/or support instruction during Journey Together program sessions and other assigned sessions that fall within the Community Programs Department purview.
• Support the holistic development of participating children, and caregivers, through implementation of a multidimensional curriculum that fosters social, emotional, and pre-academic readiness for early learning and/or kindergarten.
• Utilize varied instructional strategies to support accessibility, inclusion, and developmental differences among children and families.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of how to facilitate learning through play for both children and families
• Prepare physical and digital materials for each session, including name tags, manipulatives, instructional tools, etc.
• Set up and troubleshoot classroom technology (projectors, tablets, audio equipment, etc.) prior to and during sessions.
• Ensure the learning space is welcoming, inclusive, and ready for programming, in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with the Journey Together and/or Community Programs team regarding instructional progress, child or family needs, and any challenges that arise.
• Attend and actively participate in all required trainings, departmental meetings, and museum-wide professional development sessions. Uphold museum values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all interactions with visitors and colleagues.
• Travel offsite for programmatic responsibilities related to Journey Together or Community Programs assignments, as necessary.
• Engage visitors in play and learning experiences across museum exhibits and program spaces, including but not limited to the Creative Arts Studio, Makerspace, Playhouse Theater, and other exhibits.
• Facilitate field trip programs across a range of academic subjects for school groups.
• Lead themed activities during museum holidays, festivals, and special events.
• Monitor and adapt play environments to support family engagement, accessibility, and meaningful learning through play. Assist with routine upkeep of exhibits, including the Food and Family exhibit, following standard operating procedures for restocking, cleaning, and resetting spaces.
• Perform levels of administrative tasks including email correspondence, program preparation, and cleaning and organizing program materials.
• Collaborate with other departments (Admissions, Membership, Visitor Experience, etc.) as needed, including carousel operations and supporting visitor check-in or membership services.
• Utilize Museum resources to enrich facilitation when assigned or appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate degree and 3 years relative work experience or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field and 1-3 years of relative work experience.
• Must be able to work weekends
• Must exhibit a mature, flexible, and professional demeanor in both presentation and actions. Must be able to self-monitor and correct behavior.
• Emulates best practices in safety when utilizing tools and materials in the classroom setting.
• Engage children and adults in a welcoming, energetic, friendly, outgoing, and professional manner.
• Support an educational framework and facilitate programs and events accordingly.
• Experience working with a ticketing system strongly preferred.
• Multitask and work in a positive environment and be a team player.
• Good oral communication skills and excellent writing skills.
• Detailed oriented.
• Demonstrated ability to complete work duties independent of supervision
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, analyze situations and respond quickly to deliver effective solutions.
• Ability to embrace and demonstrate the Museum’s Mission, Values, and DEIBA Commitment.
• Openness to learning new content and skills outside area of experience and comfort zone.
• Motivated, reflective, self-starter who proactively and frequently debriefs and communicates with colleagues and supervisors about exhibit engagement and facilitation experiences.
• Actively participates as a facilitator and assists in making experiences, events, and programs effective.
• Attention, sensitivity, and care regarding issues of inclusion, equity, and diversity as they pertain to caretakers and children.
• Awareness and implementation of varied instructional strategies to accommodate accessibility needs.
• 1-3 years of experience in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• Bi-lingual (preferred)
• Pre-School experience strongly preferred.
• Basic computer skills are required.
• Proficient in Outlook, Word, and Excel. Able to write and respond to professional communication.
• Must have PA Act 153 clearances (PA criminal history, FBI fingerprints, and PA Child Abuse) completed prior to hire.
• All employees are required to have a flu vaccination, as a term and condition of employment.