Lead Preschool TeacherZoo Educator

Location: Saint Louis Zoo Forest Park
Position Type:Full-Time

Position Summary:

Facilitate learning in a child directed environment using an emergent curriculum and Reggio inspired approach that incorporates the Missouri Early Learning Standards.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate on a three-person teaching team at the Second Nature Zoo Preschool.
• Facilitate learning in the new Nature Nook discovery room and at Zoo early childhood camps classes and programs.
• Lead a teaching team in providing a nurturing equitable kind and compassionate learning environment.
• Lead by example; encourage teaching team success through modeling and coaching.
• Facilitate learning in a child directed environment using an emergent curriculum and Reggio inspired approach that incorporates the Missouri Early Learning Standards.
• Create a comfortable and safe learning environment that meets the needs of all children.
• Teach children ages 3-5 in looping classrooms.
• Positively engage with families whose children are 0 10 in the discovery room.
• Foster a connection to the natural world through modeling environmentally friendly behaviors and attitudes like a love of all wildlife and wild places and comfort in the outdoors year-round regardless of weather.
• Inspire joy and wonder in your work with children and families.
• Help create and maintain beautiful learning environments.
• Maintain and share a neurodiversity affirming mindset.
• Co-create meaningful and engaging learning experiences with children.
• Nurture a positive environment where children can regulate their emotions in a safe and productive way.
• Cultivate community with children teachers and families that embraces diversity equity and inclusion and celebrates individuality in a positive and respectful way.
• Observe document and assess childrens development and make learning visual through documentation.
• Support the whole child so that they are ready to move on to Kindergarten once they leave us.
• Foster positive relationships with families and coworkers built on trust and open communication.
• Maintain personal professional development plan to ensure continuous quality improvement and understanding of educational advances.
• Follow developmentally appropriate practice in all areas of your work including conservation messaging.
• Perform daily weekly and quarterly cleaning regiment of materials.
• Follow all state licensing requirements as well as preschool and Zoo policies.
• Providing excellent customer service.

Qualifications:

• A bachelors degree in early childhood environmental Ed or related field required
• MUST have experience in early childhood education.
• 2 years in early childhood education preferred
• Experience working with children of all abilities required.
• Experience in a lead point or management position required.
• Familiarity and comfort with Reggio and nature-based approaches to learning.
• High EQ and ability to maintain calm in difficult situations.
• Excel at working in a team environment.
• Excellent communication organizational and customer service skills a must.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to take directions as needed.
• Ability to work with guests of all ages.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office products
• Must be trained or willing to be trained in First Aid CPR AED and CPI. Must be willing to submit to a background check drug screening and TB test.
• All successful candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check and a drug test. As this is a safety-sensitive role a negative drug test result is mandatory. The drug test screens for five substances including marijuana.

Physical Demands: Must have the physical ability to lift 40 lbs. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather and move across Zoo grounds and in Forest Park at a steady pace on mixed terrain.

Work Schedule:

• Work 40 hours a week
• Work at least 1 weekend day per month and occasional evenings.

Required Experience:

IC