Preschool Lead

Job Description Do you love working with young children and inspiring a love for nature? The Preschool Lead Teacher at the Oklahoma City Zoo plays a vital role in fostering the academic and social‑emotional growth of preschoolers (ages 2‑5) through hands‑on, nature‑based learning. From animal encounters to zoo tours, arts, crafts, and games, you will create engaging experiences that spark curiosity and connection with wildlife. If you are a passionate educator who believes in the power of play, exploration, and conservation education, this is your chance to make a wild difference. Employment Status: Part Time FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt Pay Rate: $14.75/hr Experience Required: 6 months working with preschool‑age children (ages 2‑5) in a formal or informal educational setting Minimum Education Requirements: High School Diploma/GED Department: Conservation, Education, Science Direct Supervisor: Early Childhood Center Director Primary Work Location: Nature Explorers Preschool, both indoors and outdoors Certification: None required; ability to complete CPR/First Aid certification within 30 days of hire and completion of OKC Zoo Health and Safety Institute training within 30 days of employment. Other Requirements: Regular, timely attendance is required. This position is subject to pre‑employment and periodic background checks and restricted registry checks. The position works around animals susceptible to specific respiratory diseases and is subject to annual tuberculosis testing. Job Summary The preschool lead teacher is responsible for positively fostering the academic, social‑emotional growth and development of all children in their care and for developing effective partnerships with co‑teachers. The lead teacher ensures compliance with regulations, works collegially with other staff to fulfill the Zoo’s mission, and engages students in environmental and conservation education lessons that support the Oklahoma Academic Standards. The role includes daily lessons that meet OAS, fosters connection with nature and animals, promotes nature play, zoo tours, animal encounters, arts, crafts, and games for mixed‑age groups ranging from 2 to 5 years old. Essential Job Functions Work in teaching teams to facilitate nature‑based activities that reflect the children’s needs and interests; deliver curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Pre‑K OAS. Observe and record each child’s development using notes, assessments, portfolios, and documentation panels; share professional observations with families as needed. Encourage appropriate behaviors and re‑direct inappropriate behaviors following standard operating procedures. Present ambassador animals after receiving training. Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children indoors and outdoors; assist children with a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment. Ensure all activities comply with safety protocols; understand and follow all Zoo safety and emergency protocols. Document behavioral and incident reports and effectively relay information to supervisors and parents. Maintain regular and professional communication with teaching teams and families, including sending updated photos on BrightWheel daily, leading parent‑teacher conferences twice a year, and attending weekly staff meetings. Collaborate with preschool manager, supervisor, and coordinator in the creation of NEP special programming. Apply developmentally appropriate practices to all interactions with children, including reflective listening, modeling social/emotional norms, and promoting self‑regulation. Complete daily assigned responsibilities including set‑up, clean‑up, and program maintenance. Keep all children active and engaged in the classroom and outdoors. Participate in conservation activities to support Zoo’s mission. Communicate and interact professionally with teachers, students, parents, and Zoo guests, conveying a professional, welcoming and friendly attitude. Value and support all work group members, offering assistance to ensure each other’s and the whole team’s success. Set personal and professional goals, seeking opportunities to develop skills in focus areas. Maintain OKDHS & CECPD requirement for 12 clock hours of professional development per year. Practice and model the Zoo’s Values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership. Non‑Essential Job Functions Perform other duties as assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden