Lead Preschool Teacher – The Discovery School

POSITION SUMMARY

Lead Preschool Teacher provides daily care and supervision of children enrolled in The Discovery School (TDS) program, works directly with families, and provides leadership of TDS both inside the classroom and via site supervision responsibilities.

Ideal candidates will have deep commitment to and passion for learning along with a growth mindset, some experience co-creating an inquiry-based curriculum and documenting learning, knowledge of child development, love and respect for young children and their capabilities, and interest in serving in an entrepreneurial and evolving school community.

The Discovery School is a Reggio-inspired preschool. Our program is the only museum-based preschool in California, and we draw upon BADM’s 30 years of child-directed, open-ended, inquiry-driven learning, as well as best practices in creativity development from BADM’s research. We are fortunate to offer a low student to teacher ratio and an incredibly engaged parent community. BADM also provides an unmatched location, on 7.5 acres of National Park land at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and with immediate access to the beach, coastal habitat, historic batteries and hiking trails.

This is a full-time position working a Monday - Friday schedule from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. This non-exempt position pays up to a rate of $32.00-$35.00 per hour , less applicable withholdings. You will also be eligible for a monthly cell phone reimbursement of $30/month.

The teaching calendar runs through early June 2024, with a possibility to teach the summer program and return for forthcoming school years.

All BADM positions require up-to-date proof of COVID vaccination.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Preschool Teacher (50%)

1. Ensures the safety and supports the wellbeing (emotional, physical, cognitive, and behavioral) of all children enrolled in the program.
2. Works collaboratively with children and educator team in thoughtful and creative planning and preparing of learning activities and curriculum development inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, aligned with clear intentions, and best practices for young children.
3. Observes, reflects and documents individual and group experiences and works collaboratively to collect, display and disseminate documentation.
4. Aids the research teams that work with The Discovery School students; utilizes museum research to inform the planning and preparation of the curriculum.
5. Builds positive, supportive relationships with families
6. Participates in regular communication with families regarding the daily preschool experiences as well as specifically written communication on Parent & Teacher Dialogue Days to share documentation related to the development of their child, as well as including goal setting for children’s individual development.
7. Collaboratively writes regular reflections, sharing documentation of preschool experiences to serve as digital communication with all families.
8. Participates in professional development meetings, workshops, and conferences.
9. Ensures proper maintenance and cleanliness of classroom and supplies daily.
10. Attends school and class events. May assist and support other museum programming, including during fundraisers, festivals, and other programs.
11. Communicates and works collaboratively with all other museum departments.

Site Supervision (50%)

1. Ensures quality control of the program, including fulfillment of licensure requirements.
2. Supports the oversight of systems, processes, and culture to support children’s social, emotional, and physical well-being, including protocols for illness, counseling, and intervention.
3. Oversees processes and systems to ensure administrative aspects of school are well run (e.g., inventory of supplies and materials, forms required for staff, and student records).
4. Works closely with curriculum coordinator to plan staff meetings and professional development, and create policies for communication, discipline, and preschool operations.

Additional duties as required.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Licensing Requirements

• LiveScan and criminal record clearance through DOJ Child Abuse Index as well as proof of absence of tuberculosis (TB) are required before starting employment.
• Must be CCTS Site Supervisor Qualified:
  1. 24 Semester Units in ECE (including the 12 core units)
  2. 6 semester units in administration and supervision
  3. 2 semester units in adult supervision
• OR option 2 qualifications:
  1. BA or higher
  2. 12 semester units in ECE
  3. 3 units supervised field work in ECE setting
• Must be trained or commit to being trained in First Aid, CPR and AED for adult, infant, and child.

Additional Requirements

• AA considered, BA or BS preferred. Degree in education, early childhood education, child development or relevant field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a preschool setting required.
• Experience in Reggio Emilia-inspired curricular development and environment design is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and inquiry-based learning.
• Must be willing to follow and enforce CDC guidelines and the institution’s health and safety procedures. Experience in, or an understanding of, trauma-sensitive practices are strongly preferred.
• Professional commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion; thoughtful and open about the role of a workplace and cultural institution in creating sense of welcome and belonging for students, staff, and visitors.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and troubleshoot in a fast-paced work environment a must
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to use computer equipment required (Microsoft Word, Excel, Zoom, and Google Docs)
• Must work well with a variety of people from various backgrounds and cultures
• Flexible, good-humored, team player with a strong work ethic
• Ability to move from place to place, work outdoors, bend and lift and carry up to 35 pounds short distances

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee is required to come and go from the work area; to talk and listen; and to read and understand documents containing text and/or numbers. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit, as well as to lift and carry objects. Required vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may frequently be required to grasp, handle, or feel; reach, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. The employee may be required to lift up to 10 pounds and may occasionally be required to lift up to 35 pounds. The employee must have the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather. The employee is required to periodically use a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and telephone utilizing safe ergonomic practices

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Works in a combination of indoor and outdoor environments, including occasional high noise levels, widely varying temperatures, varying levels of light, and inclement weather. Will be required to perform work duties in full view of the public, while adhering to the Museum’s customer service standards.

The specific statements shown in each section of this job description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to perform the job successfully. The Bay Area Discovery Museum reserves the right to modify and expand job responsibilities and duties over time.

TO APPLY
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. We encourage those from all backgrounds to apply to allow us to build the most inclusive and creative team possible.

Please do not remove yourself from contention before you even apply. Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. If much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply.

ABOUT US
At the Bay Area Discovery Museum, 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, online, or in the community, we provide 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, we facilitate 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 offer a variety of access initiatives toward this goal. We are currently working our way back up to our pre-pandemic numbers:

• 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

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is committed to being welcoming and inclusive. We are continuously working toward the goal of reflecting the diversity of the Bay Area both within our organization and with those we serve.

WHAT WE OFFER

The Bay Area Discovery Museum offers a high-energy, results-oriented, creative and fun environment. Employees enjoy reciprocal admission benefits at other museums, regular all-staff celebrations, professional development training, 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.

The museum offers 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 three weeks per year. Staff working an average of 20 hours per week are eligible for many of the same benefit plans on a prorated basis.

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 the museum’s research-backed school and community programs.

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, credentials, or vaccinations pertinent to the position.