CONTRACT PT Early Childhood STEAM Educator

Collaborative For Children; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 21,490,560 - 28,654,080; Part time

Job summary

Collaborative for Children seeks a part-time, contractor educator to lead STEAM and early childhood activities aboard the Collab-Lab mobile classroom and at community sites in Houston.

You will engage 3–5 year olds and their families in inclusive, play-based learning, with a focus on early literacy, math, and SEL while collaborating with staff and volunteers. Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Qualifications

• Associate degree coursework or equivalent experience in early childhood education or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related field ideal.
• Minimum one year of experience with young children in early childhood settings.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate hands-on learning aboard the Collab-Lab mobile education unit and at community events.
• Support 3–5 year olds and caregivers in literacy, math, STEAM, and social-emotional development.
• Deliver activities aligned to CC’s curriculum and play-based learning approach.
• Create a safe, welcoming mobile learning environment encouraging caregiver participation.
• Model high-quality early childhood practices and responsive engagement with children and families.
• Assist families in extending early learning at home with practical activities.
• Support data collection for program documentation and reporting.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Child engagement

Education

Associate’s degree coursework in ECE/related field

Bachelor’s degree in ECE or related field ideal

Job description

Job Details

Location: Collaborative for Children – HOUSTON, TX 77056

Position Type: Contractor – Part‑time, 20 hours/week – Early Childhood STEAM Educator

Overview

Support school readiness, STEAM learning, literacy, math, social‑emotional development, and family engagement in community spaces aboard a mobile education classroom.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate developmentally appropriate, hands‑on learning experiences aboard the Collab‑Lab mobile education unit and at community‑based events.
• Support children ages 3‑5 and their caregivers in activities that promote kindergarten readiness, including early literacy, early math, science, STEAM exploration, problem‑solving, creativity, and social‑emotional development.
• Implement Collab‑Lab activities and lessons aligned to CC’s curriculum, I Wonder framework, and play‑based learning approach.
• Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and engaging mobile learning environment that encourages child exploration, caregiver participation, and positive adult‑child interaction.
• Model high‑quality early childhood practices, including open‑ended questioning, descriptive language, encouragement, scaffolding, and responsive engagement with children and caregivers.
• Support caregivers in understanding how to extend early learning at home through simple, practical strategies and activities.
• Assist with family registration, attendance tracking, surveys, sign‑in processes, and other basic data collection needed for program documentation and reporting.
• Support inclusive learning experiences for children with varying developmental needs by adapting activities, materials, language, and engagement strategies as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree or coursework in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, family studies, social work, or a related field preferred; or equivalent experience working with young children, families, early childhood programs, or community‑based education programs.
• Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, family studies or another related program of study would be ideal.

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience working with young children in an early childhood learning center, school readiness, family engagement, community education, or youth‑serving setting preferred.
• Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3‑5.
• Knowledge of early literacy, early math, STEAM learning, social‑emotional development, and play‑based learning.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with families, volunteers, interns, community partners, and internal team members.
• Ability to adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse learners and families.
• Ability to use sound judgment, flexibility, and problem‑solving skills in fast‑paced event settings.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team‑based environment.
• Conversational fluency in English or Spanish is a plus.

Working Conditions

Work is carried out in a variety of settings, including the Collab‑Lab mobile education unit, community locations, libraries, partner sites, agency events, and office/warehouse spaces. This position requires travel to different community locations. Schedule will vary based on Collab‑Lab events and community programming needs. Events are typically Monday‑Friday during the day, with flexibility for occasional weekend and weekday evening events. May require work in indoor and outdoor community event settings.

Physical Requirements

• Physical exertion includes bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, standing, walking, setting up materials, and assisting with event preparation and breakdown.
• Must be able to move or lift approximately 25 pounds, including program supplies, bins, learning materials, and event equipment.
• Ability to hear, see, and speak with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Good vision and hearing acuity, with glasses or hearing aids if necessary.
• Manual dexterity and ability to use a computer keyboard, cellular phone, tablet, and program equipment.

Other

• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must have current vehicle insurance coverage.
• This is a CONTRACT, paid by the hour, Part‑time position. Based on experience, hourly rate is $15‑$20. Paid bi‑weekly with receipt of invoice.