What are the responsibilities and job description for the Library Associate (Mother Goose Program) position at Champaign Public Library?
Description
Under guidance from the Children’s Services Manager, the Mother Goose on the Loose position is a part-time position. The Mother Goose position implements and evaluates the Mother Goose on the Loose program. The Mother Goose position provides storytimes to early childhood centers and area agencies to encourage pre-reading skills for children ages birth to six. The Mother Goose on the Loose program storytimes are designed and developed by Dr. Betsy Diamant-Cohen, who will provide training and the curriculum to the candidate hired as the Mother Goose. In addition to providing storytimes to children, Mother Goose provides training and educational opportunities to childcare providers, parents, and caregivers. Mother Goose spends 80-90% of work time providing storytimes at various locations in the community. Mother Goose also participates in outreach events.
Open until filled, with first review of applicants on March 30, 2025.
Examples of Duties
- Establish network with childcare providers, parents, and caregivers
- Develop and adjust program schedule by working with local childcare agencies
- Order materials and supplements to support storytime programs to include proficiency in selecting and purchasing age-appropriate books for home libraries
- Provide Mother Goose on the Loose storytimes as prescribed by the Mother Goose on the Loose curriculum and training workshop
- Provide training to childcare providers, parents, and caregivers
- Attend outreach events, including parades, festivals, and community events
- Evaluate success of program based on observation, quantitative measurements, and feedback and survey responses from providers, parents, and caregivers
- Compile statistics and prepare grant reports
- Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training
- Provides excellent internal and external customer service
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Strong desire for providing highly active storytimes to children
- Experience providing interactive storytimes to children
- Knowledge of and interest in children’s books and audiovisual materials
- Strong commitment to public service and early childhood education
- Ability to work with childcare providers, parents, and caregivers in a friendly and efficient manner
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficient computer and keyboarding skills, including use of the Internet
- Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to maintain reliable attendance and regular schedule
- Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend shifts
- Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies
- Physical ability to lead highly active storytimes, lift/carry program materials, and push fully loaded carts of library materials
- Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history for use of Mother Goose on the Loose vehicle for required job-related transportation
- Ability to attend and complete Mother Goose on the Loose training
- Satisfactory pre-employment background check
Acceptable Experience and Training
- Bachelor degree in early childhood or elementary education required
- Experience working with preschool-aged and younger children in a library or educational setting preferred
- Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful
- Any combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities
