Preschool Teacher

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Discovery School is currently seeking an inspired and experienced Preschool Teacher to work as a member of the teaching team toward the goal of positioning the school as a nationally recognized laboratory for the study of creative preschool education. This teacher will engage in documentation, reflective practice, and co-planning in order to provide Reggio-inspired, research-backed learning experiences for preschoolers. This teacher will also support the preschool after-care program. We are looking for a teacher whose approach stems from an innate love and respect for children, learning, and the natural world.  

The pay rate for this position is $26-$29 per hour based on relevant experience.

The Discovery School at the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) is a Reggio-inspired, research-based preschool that builds children’s creative problem-solving through child directed projects and guided play. The school is works closely with BADM’s research department, Research, Evaluation, and Innovation (REI). Our program is the first licensed preschool housed within a museum in California, and we are fortunate to offer a low student to teacher ratio, an incredibly warm parent community, and opportunities to collaborate with both BADM and REI staff. In addition, we are located in a beautiful natural setting looking out over San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

This is a full-time or part-time, non-exempt, benefits eligible position reporting to the School Director.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

· Plans and prepares Reggio-inspired provocations and guided play activities for preschoolers.  

· Leads transitions and circle time. 

· Ensures the safety and wellbeing of children enrolled in the program at all times. 

· Maintains relationships with individual parents to support their child’s development and learning.  

· Ensures proper maintenance and cleanliness of classroom and supplies. 

· Prepares and organizes supplies, including snacks. 

Additional duties as assigned. 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

• Required before employment: 
  • LiveScan and criminal record clearance through DOJ Child Abuse Index 
  • Proof of MMR and DTP immunizations and absence of tuberculosis (TB)  
• BA or BS required; Degree in education, early childhood education, child development, or relevant field strongly preferred.
• Must be trained or commit to being trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED for adult, infant, and child. 
• 12 units in Early Childhood Education and Child Development
• 3 years' experience as a teacher in a preschool classroom for at least 3+hours per day
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and project-based learning. 
• Must be knowledgeable of or commit to learning about the Reggio Emilia Approach.
• 2-3 years of experience as a preschool teacher preferred; additional experience a plus. 
• Completed ECE units for licensure preferred. 
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills required; prior experience and demonstrated skill with parental/guardian communication required. 
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and troubleshoot in a fast-paced work environment. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Ability to use computer equipment required (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point). 
• Must work well with a variety of people from various backgrounds and cultures. 
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and project-based learning. 
• Must be knowledgeable of or commit to learning about a Reggio-inspired approach.  
• Flexible, good-humored, team player. 

• Ability to move from place to place, work outdoors, and bend, lift, and carry up to 35 pounds short distances. 

ABOUT US 

Our mission: To transform research into early learning experiences that inspire creative problem solving.  

At the Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM), we believe that providing children with the high-quality early learning experiences they need to be successful is the best investment we can make as a society.  

Whether at the museum or in the community, BADM provides experiences that spark children’s natural curiosity for the world around them, while building their creative problem-solving skills and STEM content knowledge. Both on-site and off-site, BADM facilitates research-backed learning experiences that are fun and engaging for children and families. At our one-of-a-kind location at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this includes hands-on exhibits, rich STEM and art programming, an on-site preschool, and camps and classes. Off-site, our museum educators bring hands-on STEM programming to students and families at schools and libraries in all nine Bay Area counties.  

We believe that these research-backed on-site and off-site experiences should be made available to all children and families and we offer a variety of access initiatives toward this goal. We are able to serve: 

· 350,000 visitors each year, including nearly 100,000 with free or reduced admission 

· 10,000 member families 

· 26,000 children through our school and community programs 

· 587 schools and 215 libraries through all nine Bay Area counties 

Additionally, BADM’s research and advisory division, Research, Evaluation, and Innovation (REI) is working at a national scale to advance the research that informs our understanding of childhood creativity, advocate for its critical importance, and inspire the next generation of innovators, thought leaders, and problem-solvers.  

BADM is committed to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all, and is continuously working toward the institutional goal of representing the diversity of the Bay Area in both our visitorship and staff.  

WHAT WE OFFER 

The Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) offers a high-energy, results-oriented, creative and fun environment. Employees enjoy free monthly lunches and breakfasts, reciprocal admission benefits at other museums, quarterly all-staff celebrations, professional development trainings, and more. All staff members are valued for their contributions toward creating a high-quality experience for visitors, and their work that allows us to achieve our mission.  

BADM provides 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance to all full-time employees, as well as generous paid time off starting at four weeks per year.  

In addition, we offer the opportunity for each employee to make a unique impact on more than 350,000 museum visitors each year on-site, and many more in the community through BADM’s research-backed school and community programs.  

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. 

NOTE TO CANDIDATE 

Due to the sensitivity and requirements of our positions, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check, if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses or credentials pertinent to the position.