Early Childhood Education Lead Instructor

Lead Early Childhood Education Instructor – Zoo School

Oversees educational activities within the classroom. Provides a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate program and environment that supports children’s social, emotional, language, intellectual, and physical development.

• Supports social and emotional development of program participants and provides positive guidance.
• Values children’s play, displays their work, promotes anti‑bias practices, and communicates at eye level.
• Translates and coaches conflict resolution and problem solving.
• Uses positive guidance techniques and encourages independence.
• Advances physical and intellectual competence through balanced activities, group lessons, and outdoor experiences.
• Plans and implements language and literacy experiences throughout the day.
• Follows daily schedule, prepares supplies, maintains lesson plans, and keeps a substitute folder.
• Manages the group while giving individual attention.
• Evaluates child progress quarterly, maintains a portfolio for each child.
• Maintains a clean, sanitary environment and trains children in health habits.
• Supervises children during emergency procedures and on Zoo hikes and playground activities.
• Maintains accurate records of accidents, illnesses, and medication.
• Incorporates environmental education into lesson plans.
• Develops curriculum and promotional materials for assigned classrooms.
• Directly supervises daily activities of assistant instructors.
• Communicates assessment information to parents, conducts formal conferences twice annually.
• Supports families in extending curriculum at home.
• Assists in maintaining Zoo appearance, reports needed repairs, and ensures safety hazards are addressed.
• Provides excellent guest service to internal and external customers.

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Confident, articulate, and able to act as a professional ally of parents.
• Ability to take initiative, produce work independently, and act on behalf of a team.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.
• Comfortable speaking to groups of various sizes and ages.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with co‑workers, children, and families.
• Educational credentials: CDA, A.A. or B.A. in Education, Child Development, Psychology, Environmental Education, or related fields.
• Certifications:
  
  45‑hour CPR, First Aid.
• Preferred:
  Prior work experience at a child development center, zoo, aquarium, wildlife park, or science center.
• Minimum two years’ experience with classroom management.
• Combination of education, training, or experience demonstrating ability to perform required duties.
• Must pass Level II Background Screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse.

• Complete a minimum of twelve in‑service hours annually.
• Maintain active credential (CDA, CDAE, Birth through Five, or School Age Credential).
• Maintain active Staff Credential Verification (Form CF‑FSP 5211).
• Maintain current CPR and First Aid card.

• Activities aligned with AZA standards, laws, safety standards, and animal welfare.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions in west central Florida.
• Use radio, telephone, and computer to communicate instructions.
• Willing and able to work varied and long shifts, holidays, weekends, and unexpected events.
• Physical ability to lift children up to thirty pounds and to bend, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance options.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with a 4% company match.
• Generous PTO (Vacation and Wellness time).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Free admission to Zoo, MOSI, Glazer Children’s Museum, and Florida Aquarium.
• Free or discounted admission to many Florida attractions.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Additional benefits available.

Zoo Tampa is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.