Basic Functions
- Interact with children and other guests in a manner that is appropriate for their stage of development and model good early childhood practices for others.
- Develop and implement long term sustainability of program
- Organize family experiences at MSC
- Plan and implement early childhood programming.
- Supervise and empower part time staff and volunteers
- Participate in the programmatic evaluation process
- Develop and implement teacher training and curriculum support
- Manage the Ready Set Go budget
- Act as Manager on Duty for Kids Room and facilitate visitor experience at the Maryland Science Center
- Attend training as directed by supervisor
- Provide support to education department efforts
- Other Duties as assigned
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Interact with guests in a manner that is appropriate for their stage of development and model good early childhood practices for others.
Demonstrate appropriate interactions with young children and their adults. Be willing to play, be silly, and learn with visitors. Communicate with and guide adults according to best practices for adult learners.
2. Develop and implement long term sustainability of Ready Set Go program
Work to create systems to sustain and enrich the Ready Set Go early childhood outreach program. Build and maintain strong relationships with Head Start and early childhood program partners. Ensure meaningful and high-quality service that meets the needs of children, educators, and families alike.
3. Organize family experiences at MSC
Create meaningful and engaging experiences for young children and their caregivers at Maryland Science Center.
4. Plan and implement early childhood programming.
Develop and lead high quality early childhood activities according to standards for program development and current goals and guidelines. Activities include both high quality guest engagement at Maryland Science Center, and outreach classroom programing for an early childhood audience.
5. Supervise and empower part time staff and volunteers
Engage staff in activities, provide ideas and support to further understanding of early childhood development. Empower staff to be excellent representatives of Maryland Science Center in the community. Support outreach staff through observation and professional development as needed. Supervise and support part-time Kids Room staff as needed.
7. Participate in the programmatic evaluation process
Continually assess, maintain, and improve internal and outreach programming, materials and equipment. Ensure that guests are always met with high quality materials and experiences. Work with staff, Head Start participants, and outside evaluators to create a comprehensive and ongoing evaluation process.
8. Develop and implement teacher training and curriculum support
Become an associated MSED approved trainer for Maryland Science Center. Match curriculum to teacher training opportunities. Create and present at least one new MSDE approved Early Childhood Educator Professional Development course per year. Manage and file information to maintain state approval.
9. Manage the Ready Set Go budget
Purchase and maintain early childhood outreach and teacher P.D. supplies and equipment. Schedule part-time staff. Maintain and set budgets to meet the needs of the Ready Set Go Program.
10. Act as Manager on Duty for Kids Room and facilitate visitor experience at the Maryland Science Center
Support Kids Room part time staff and attend to the needs of the Kids Room Exhibit as Manager on Duty when Greet, engage and assist visitors answer questions as needed. Observe, monitor and maintain safe practices.
11. Attend training and complete reading as directed by supervisor.
Work towards a better understanding of early childhood development and age appropriate activities through workshop attendance and independent reading.
12. Provide support to education department efforts
Work with department staff in the development and implementation of programmatic and grant related initiatives.
13. Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:
- Stages of Early Childhood Development
- Abilities and expected behaviors of young children
- Appropriate language and actions for interactions with young children and adults
- Basic science
- Appropriate curriculum for young children and adult learners
Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication
- Excellent organizational skills
- Curriculum development for early childhood and adult audiences
- Stamina
- Patience
Ability to:
- Speak in front of and children and adults individually and in groups
- Provide excellent guest service and ensure the same from staff
- Remain imperturbable and composed in all situations
- Take initiative
- Utilize creativity
- Evaluate staff and volunteers
- Evaluate programming against content standards
- Manage on-site and especially outreach staff
- Create and maintain schedules to meet program partner and staff needs
- Act as an ambassador for early childhood STEAM education in the community
Education and Experience:
- BA/BS in Early Childhood Education, Education, Science or a related field, from accredited university
- Designing curriculum; working with adult audiences; experience working with underserved audiences.
- At least four years working in an early childhood environment.
- Classroom experience with early childhood students highly preferred.
- Two years of program management, with supervisory experience strongly preferred.
How to apply:
Please download and complete MSC’s employment application form and submit it with a resume and cover letter by email to jobs@mdsci.org with the position as the subject.
OR MAIL OR DELIVER TO:
Human Resources
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore MD 21230
EOE/M/F/H/V. No phone calls please.