Preschool Teacher

Preschool Teacher - Part-time

The Preschool Teacher is responsible for fostering an environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth of the preschool participants. This position develops and implements creative, nature-based lesson plans in collaboration with co-teachers and zoo staff, ensuring all children are supported, engaged, and supervised in a safe and nurturing setting.

Primary Job Functions

Program Facilitation

• Lead preschool students in presentation and hands-on nature-based activities using positive engagement skills.
• Effectively engage diverse ages, learning levels, and abilities at the same time while holding interest and engaging the audience.
• Apply knowledge of local flora, fauna, and natural history to enhance teaching in nature preschool setting.
• Constantly adjust techniques and methods as needed to be most effective.
• Prepare supplies and technology necessary to facilitate program.
• Support the Early Childhood Lead Educator in planning and implementing activities that meet the physical, intellectual, emotional, and social needs of all students.
• Adapt daily routines and lesson plans to meet the interests and needs of the individual child and the group.
• Ensure continuous supervision of children and effectively manage classroom groups of up to 15 students, maintaining safety and engagement.
• Support the inclusion of children with special needs in a respectful and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness and order by replenishing supplies and tidying after sessions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all safety procedures and lead children safely during drills and emergencies.

• Work with the Early Childhood Lead Educator to update daily lesson plans.
• Maintain up-to-date student paperwork, including daily attendance rosters and other records, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
• Document all personal continuing education received throughout the year for KDHE certification.
• Observe children and make accurate notes of progress and development.
• Complete timely accident/incident reports and notify the Early Childhood Education Specialist of injuries or concerns.
• Communicate promptly with families regarding injuries or issues requiring medical attention.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect immediately to the Early Childhood Education Specialist and Child Protective Services, as required by law.

• Productively interact with preschool families and zoo guests in both formal and informal settings.
• Provide the Early Childhood Education Specialist with relevant updates on student progress, challenges, or achievements.
• Warmly welcome and respect all families, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages parent involvement.
• Share information on literacy, child development, and early education best practices with families.
• Establish a nurturing relationship with children while serving as a positive role model.
• Treat children in a gentle and positive manner while encouraging individuality and positive self-esteem.
• Guide and support staff, parents, or volunteers working with children.

Secondary Job Functions

• Complete required training and safely operate all zoo required equipment for completion of job duties
• Use time efficiently to complete assigned tasks. Actively seek ways to streamline processes and stay open to new ideas and approaches.
• Interact regularly and provide customer service to the zoo-defined customers – collections, conservation, contractors, co-workers, donors, students, professional colleagues, vendors, visitors & volunteers.
• Demonstrate compassion, consistency and fairness, cultural awareness and sensitivity, flexibility, and respectfulness.
• Represent the Zoo and/or Sedgwick County at various offsite events such as regional, national, and international conferences, meetings, community events, outreach programs, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma.
• One year of paid experience in a licensed preschool.
• CPR Certified, or the willingness to obtain certification within the first six months of the job.
• Must pass a comprehensive criminal and fingerprint background check.
• Must submit a health certificate and negative TB test or chest X-ray.
• Ability to complete a minimum of 16 plus certified continuing education hours per year.

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in early childhood, environmental education, natural sciences, interpretation, or related field.
• One year of paid experience as a lead teacher in a licensed preschool.

Working Environment

The employee is subject to activities that occur in both inside and outside environmental conditions. The employee is subject to any potential hazards of working in a zoo, including zoonotic diseases, animal-related sounds, odors, and allergens. The employee is subject to potential hazards of working with and near dangerous animals. Employee must be able to work a schedule that may involve working weekends, holidays, or after regular work shifts.

Physical requirements

May be required to lift objects up to 50 pounds and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including classroom materials and assisting children. Position requires the ability to sit on the floor, stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move quickly to ensure child safety. Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks with few breaks within both indoor classroom and outdoor zoo environments. Employee must be able to safely escort groups of children through zoo grounds, sometimes over uneven terrain and in varying weather conditions. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, observing children, and extensive reading.

Direct reports

N/A