Early Childhood Assistant Instructor — Inspire Learners

ZooTampa; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation and sick time

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted gym membership

Free zoo admission and museum access

Discounted attractions in Florida

Job summary

ZooTampa in Tampa, FL is seeking an Assistant Early Childhood Education Instructor for a full-time role. You will support a classroom teacher and help children develop social-emotional, language, and cognitive skills while fostering a safe, inclusive environment.

You will work with a team committed to wildlife conservation and education, with opportunities to engage families, plan activities, and participate in ongoing trainings. Prior zoo or education experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must have strong organizational skills.
• Must be confident and articulate when challenged and able to act as a professional ally of parents.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.
• CDA, A.A or B.A in Education, Child Development, Psychology, Environmental Education or related fields required.
• Certificates/Licenses/Registrations: 45-clock hours, CPR, First Aid.
• Prior work experience at a child development center, zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or science center preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience with classroom management.
• Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which demonstrate ability to perform the required duties.

Responsibilities

• Supervising children at all times by sight and sound.
• Develops a warm and nurturing relationship with all children and parents.
• Observes children closely enough to be aware of any changes in behavior and health.
• Understand and use positive behavior techniques that help each child to develop the ability to be self-disciplined.
• Enforces all safety rules of the program according to the policy manual; understand and implement, as needed, emergency procedures for fire, storm, medical, first aid, CPR, etc..
• Promotes good hygiene through appropriate hand washing, diapering and sanitation techniques according to the policy manual.
• Operate the classroom in compliance with all child care licensing standards and those of our accrediting agency.
• Assists the classroom teacher in implementing the activities of the weekly lesson plan.
• Assists the classroom teacher in promoting language development through storytelling, music, conversation, book reading and pretend play.
• Assists the classroom teacher in organizing a classroom arrangement that is conducive to appropriate behavior and learning for the age of the group.
• Assists the classroom teacher in providing a calm, pleasant, interactive experience for the children.
• Assists the classroom teacher in providing regular, ongoing, positive communication with parents on a regular basis, according to the expectations for the age-group.
• Assists the classroom teacher in developing and maintaining accurate, detailed and neat records of accidents, illnesses, incidents, medication, attendance, observations, assessments, conferences or any other records requested by the program.
• Maintains a clean, safe, healthy and attractive classroom environment according to the standards set forth in the policy manual.
• Attends staff meetings, parent events and in-house trainings both during and after regular program hours as required for this position.
• Attends additional workshops, training and continuing education classes as determined in the individualized training plan.
• Becomes familiar with and adheres to all policies set forth in the Parent Handbook, the Staff Handbook and the Policy Manual.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Public speaking / group facilitation

Initiative and independent work

MS Office familiarity

Engaging with families

Education

CDA, A.A or B.A in Education/Child Development/Psychology/Environmental Education

CPR and First Aid certifications

Two years of classroom management experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

ZooTampa in Tampa, FL is seeking an Assistant Early Childhood Education Instructor for a full-time role. You will support a classroom teacher and help children develop social-emotional, language, and cognitive skills while fostering a safe, inclusive environment.

You will work with a team committed to wildlife conservation and education, with opportunities to engage families, plan activities, and participate in ongoing trainings. Prior zoo or education experience is preferred.