Play Facilitator (Open Availability Wed-Sun)

At LCM, play is serious business—and we’re on a mission to show every child that they matter. From splashing along the Mississippi River to creating masterpieces in the Studio in the Park, we believe learning happens best when curiosity leads the way. Working here means being part of a team that strengthens families, sparks imagination, and creates unforgettable moments every single day.

Job Summary:

The Play Facilitator engages children, caregivers and guest in intentional play and exploration while sharing research-based best practices for early childhood development. Each Play Facilitator specializes in exhibits, celebrations and special events while partnering with Impact Area Directors and Guest Experience to support planning and delivery. Guided by the museum’s Learning Framework, Play Facilitators ensure that every visitor—both children and adults—has a meaningful and enriching experience.

Responsibilities and Duties

Exhibit Facilitation

• Lead purposeful play and exploration in one or more galleries:
  • Play With Me: A space for infants and toddlers to explore, paired with resources for caregivers on early development.
  • Follow That Food: A journey through Louisiana’s food systems, from field and water to table.
  • Dig Into Nature: An exploration of Southeast Louisiana’s natural resources, including plants, animals, and energy.
  • Make Your Mark: A celebration of New Orleans’ art, architecture, music, history, and cultural heritage.
  • Studio in the Park: A collaborative art and tinkering studio, emphasizing creativity with natural and reusable materials.
  • Move With the River: An active, hands-on experience following the Mississippi River from the Twin Cities to the Gulf.

Outdoor Learning Environments

• Facilitate guided or open-ended play in outdoor areas such as the Toddler Landscape and Edible Garden.
  

Programs & Events

• Support the planning and facilitation of festivals, community programs, and other annual events.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to strengthen mission delivery and community engagement.

Birthdays & Celebrations

• Prepare Celebration Rooms before and after each party by checking cleanliness, supplies, ambiance, and catering orders.
• Greet families at check-in, assist with unloading supplies, and escort them to the Celebration Room.
• Act as liaison with Acorn Café (Dickie Brennan’s staff) for catering delivery-Serve food if requested by the family.
• Lead planned activities, facilitate singing “Happy Birthday,” cut and serve cake, and distribute to guests.
• Escort the family and guests into the museum to continue play.

Team Collaboration & Support

• Participate in weekly planning sessions with the Museum Experience Manager and Assistant Manager.
• Share knowledge and strategies with parents, grandparents, and educators to extend learning beyond the museum.
• Assist in training and coordinating employees, volunteers, and partners working alongside the museum’s leadership.
• Partner with other Play Facilitators to ensure consistent and engaging experiences across all galleries.

Additional Duties

• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 1 year of experience working with children ages 0–8
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills
  
• Open availability, weekdays, weekends, some holidays (minimum of two full shifts per week) 
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain standing for extended periods
• Must be able to bend and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Must be able to communicate clearly
• Ability to work in a fast-paced energetic setting with high visitor volume

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve. Diversity strengthens our culture of creativity and play, and we welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on any protected basis. Background checks may be required depending on job responsibilities; while some offenses may be automatic disqualifiers, not all criminal history will disqualify a candidate.