STEAM Lab Educator, Childcare

STEAM Lab Educator

The STEAM Lab Educator is a fun, creative, energetic, and dynamic educator who enjoys working with children ages 2–13. This individual is responsible for designing and leading engaging, hands-on learning experiences centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) that foster creativity, curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The educator will spend mornings in the STEAM Lab, planning and delivering developmentally appropriate STEAM experiences to children across all age groups, while collaborating with classroom staff to integrate STEAM concepts into the curriculum.

Afternoons will be spent supporting the school-age after-school program and ensuring a safe, engaging, and positive environment for children.

The educator will also be responsible for supervising and monitoring the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Room, providing a supportive space for children who need assistance with self-regulation and social-emotional skill development.

The highest priority of this position is supporting the classrooms and the after-school program. The educator must be flexible and willing to provide coverage across all age groups as needed to ensure safe staffing ratios and uninterrupted program operations. Responsibilities may also include assisting with transportation, including supervising children during transportation and supporting transportation needs when required.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Deliver age appropriate STEAM oriented instruction through project-based learning methods.
• Create a schedule to include all pre-school and younger school age children.
• Work directly with classroom teachers or Center Directors on "themes" to enhance classroom curriculum.
• Prepare assignments and create innovative methods of teaching as per the students' varying learning styles and developmental levels.
• Maintain proper supplies and work within the budget.
• Oversee our SEL room by monitoring the clinician schedules, small socialization groups, and helping cover when needed.
• Responsible for the overall cleanliness, appearance, inventory and security of the STEAM lab classroom, supply rooms, as well as the SEL room.
• Liaison between the classrooms and the clinicians.
• Create small socialization groups based on individual children's needs.
• Encourage students to use different skills to solve problems and collaborate.
• Organize, develop and coordinate special STEAM activities.
• Plan and supervise class projects, field trips, visits by guest speakers, or other experiential activities and guide students in learning from those activities.
• Responsible for the cleanliness and organization of the STEAM classroom.
• Participate in Center meetings and Professional Development.
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
• Document curriculum/schedules for each class to build upon each week to expose children to new ideas and technologies.
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials in order to prevent injuries and damage.
• Create an effective learning environment with attractive displays, bulletin boards, and activity/learning centers.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Stay abreast of new innovative ideas to incorporate into the program.
• Actively supervise children and know how many children are in the lab at all times.
• All EEC and Head Start regulations and Standards must be adhered to at all times.
• All SMOC policies and procedures must be followed.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Degree and EEC Teacher Certification preferred.
• Background in quality Early Education and STEAM.
• Works well alone and with others.
• High energy and flexible.
• Ability to work in a flexible, fast-paced environment.
• Strong behavior management skills.
• Effective communicator with children, staff, and supervisors.

Organizational Relationship:

• Directly reports to Center Director.
• There are no direct reports for this position.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to undergo fingerprinting and pass DCF, CORI/SORI background check.
• Must have the ability to bend, sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must have the physical ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to perform all the technological requirements of STEAM classroom
• Must be able to act quickly in an emergency.

Working Conditions:

As part of the responsibilities of this position, the STEAM Lab Educator will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Monday through Friday: 9:00AM - 5:30PM. Includes a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. 40 Hours per week.