Early Childhood Educator

Job Description

Job Description

The mission of the Children’s Museum Houston is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children in Greater Houston.

For more than four decades, Children’s Museum Houston has supported student achievement, empowered parents, and ignited a life-long love of learning. We are consistently rated as one of the top children's museums in the nation. Our programming serves more than 900,000 participants annually at the Museum, at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, and at 270+ outreach locations across Greater Houston. We welcome families with offerings that include 13 exhibits, a performing arts series, a full slate of cultural programming, science activities led by degreed educators, and weekly Free Family Nights.

Summary:

The Children’s Museum Houston is committed to enriching early childhood learning and fostering family engagement through dynamic and inclusive educational programs in the community and at the Museum. The Part-time Bilingual Early Childhood Educator will play a central role in supporting the development and implementation of new programs to support children’s development and school readiness outcomes.

The Part-time Bilingual Early Childhood Educator supports the development, testing, and delivery of engaging, developmentally appropriate early childhood programs both at the museum and in the community. Working closely with other members of the Early Childhood Initiatives team, this role assists in creating and refining new initiatives that foster family engagement, early learning, and school readiness. Through inclusive, culturally responsive experiences, the educator promotes curiosity, early literacy, and holistic child development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage and interact with children and families in the Gallery of Wonder, fostering meaningful play, exploration, learning, and child-caregiver interactions in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

• Facilitate Gallery of Wonder experiences, workshops, and Early Childhood programs by preparing materials and learning environments, implementing interactive activities, and engaging children and families through play, exploration, and meaningful learning experiences.

• Facilitate early childhood Outreach Programs and assist with other Outreach activities when assigned.

• Support the organization, cleaning, storage, and maintenance of program kits, materials, and resources following workshops and events.

• Maintain program and exhibit spaces by restocking supplies and reporting maintenance or equipment issues to the appropriate staff.

• Assist with the development and testing of new museum- and community-based programs, curriculum, kits, and resources as needed, based on program priorities and opportunities.

• Communicate program successes, challenges, participant feedback, and other relevant information to the supervisor and assist with program evaluation efforts.

• Share information with visitors and program participants about other museum offerings and direct them to appropriate museum staff for additional information.

• Represent Children’s Museum Houston in a positive and professional manner through attitude, communication, enthusiasm, and interactions with children, families, staff, and community partners.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum staff, management, community partners, and other external contacts.

• Stay current on relevant trends, practices, and information in Early Childhood education.

• May be required to facilitate activities in other spaces within the museum, such as Science Station, Eco-Station, etc.

• Attend planning, training, and other meetings as requested.

• Participate in other museum programs, initiatives, and special events as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in English and another language, particularly English/Spanish, is required.

• Knowledge of early childhood development and previous teaching or relevant experience working with young children is preferred.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and present to children, caregivers, families, and community partners.

• Passion for early learning and educating children and families through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a flexible, fast-paced environment, with strong problem-solving and organizational skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and other commonly used software applications.

Education:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.

• Candidates with a degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field are preferred.

• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and at least three (3) years of relevant early childhood experience will also be considered.

Physical Requirements

• Able to move throughout the museum, including standing and walking for extended periods of time.

• Able to bend, stoop, kneel, and climb as needed to support children, programs, and exhibits.

• Able to lift and carry materials and supplies weighing up to 20 lbs.

• Able to push and pull carts and dollies as needed.

• Able to work both indoors and outdoors as required for programs and events.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

• Ability to travel occasionally to community locations to support Early Childhood programs and events.