Early Childhood Instructor

Position Details

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26219. For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Katherine Hodge, katherine.hodge, .

The Early Childhood Instructor supports the Museum of the Rockies’ Early Learning Program by preparing and leading engaging, developmentally appropriate classes for children aged birth through five. The instructor will assist the early learning coordinator with curriculum development centered on MOR permanent and traveling exhibits, providing participants with accurate content and information. Through collaboration with other Education department staff, the instructor will provide an early learning presence at museum programs and events.

This position is a 20-hour-per-week role. Applicants must be available to work and teach on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, as well as occasional weekends scheduled in advance. During the summer months, the position schedule will shift to hosting educational programming.

Position Number 4N2089, Department:
Museum of the Rockies, Division:
Museum of the Rockies, Appointment Type:
Classified, Contract Term:
Fiscal Year Semester. FLSA:
Non-Exempt, Union Affiliation: FOCUS-MFPE, FTE: 0.45. Benefits:
Eligible. Salary: $18.36 - $22.95 hourly, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type:
Classified Hourly. Recruitment Type:
Open.

The Early Learning Program has six weekly early learning classes – Sensational Babies, Little Learners, and Preschool Pioneers – designed to stimulate children’s imaginations, encourage exploration of their surroundings, and promote hands‑on discovery. These classes are offered Wednesday through Friday during the fall and spring and focus on MOR content related to cultural history, natural history, and astronomy. To learn more about the early learning program, follow this link.

• Facilitate early learning classes for children ages birth – 5.
• Host drop‑in programming for young children and families.
• Attend education meetings.
• Clean, sanitize, and maintain equipment and materials.
• Create a welcoming environment for children and caregivers.
• Assist the Early Learning Coordinator with:
  • Developing curricula and content.
  • Supporting education department and museum events.
  • Developing age‑appropriate and safe materials and content.
  • Other responsibilities as requested.

• Degree in or current student of Human Development & Family Science, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or equivalent.
• Previous experience teaching or working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.
• Previous experience working in informal or formal education or childcare settings.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and the use of developmentally appropriate practices when interacting with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Previous experience facilitating safe and developmentally supportive lessons, sensory experiences, and hands‑on activities with young children.

• First Aid and CPR certification.

• Strong communication skills.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Number of Vacancies : 1. Desired

Start Date:

Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary):
Open. Date Applications Will Be Screened:
December 29, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been…