What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Learning Coordinator position at Montana State University?
The Early Childhood Coordinator assists the Early Learning Instructor in facilitating early educational programs for children ages 0-8 and their caregivers, including our weekly Sensational Babies, Little Learners, and Preschool Pioneers classes. Utilizing multisensory and developmentally appropriate methods for these programs, the Early Childhood Coordinator facilitates learning experiences that focus on MOR content related to cultural history, natural history, and astronomy, engaging this age group with accurate content and meeting best practices in informal education. As we grow and expand our educational mission, we are looking for an innovative educator with expertise in early learning able to further our goals.
More information about the early learning program and schedule can be found here.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and teach creative and engaging curriculum for children ages 0-8 years old as part of weekly early learning classes.
- Create and lead programming for family days and other multi-generational weekend events.
- Connect and collaborate with early childhood professionals in the community, staying current with all training, strategies, and resources for enhancing children’s learning experiences and continuously improving program offerings. Use these resources to align programs with best practices in early childhood education.
- Collaborate with CDC staff to develop and implement programming for children and families in the Children’s Discovery Center.
- Demonstrate a desire, commitment, and ability to work with children and their adult caregivers.
- Maintain a positive and enthusiastic attitude with children, families, and staff.
- Ensure that activities are effectively and safely implemented using developmentally appropriate practices.
- Demonstrate effective problem–solving skills, patience, and flexibility.
- Collaborate with educators, early childhood specialists, and museum staff to align programs with best practices in early childhood education.
- Stay current with trends in early childhood education and museum education to continuously improve program offerings.
- Collaborate with other MOR departments programs and events to include 0-5 activities.
- Provide support to (and receive support from) MSU students and interns volunteering and completing placement hours in early learning classes.
- Other duties and responsibilities as requested.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Demonstrated previous experience teaching or working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.
- Relevant knowledge of early childhood development and the use of developmentally appropriate practices when interacting with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Family Science, Child Development, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or equivalent.
- Previous experience working in informal or formal education or childcare settings.
- Previous experience creating innovative curriculum or programming, facilitating safe and developmentally supportive lessons, sensory experiences, and hands-on activities with young children.
- Demonstrated experience partnering and/or co-teaching with others.
- Willingness to gain introductory knowledge in and teach natural history, cultural history, and astronomy content.
The Successful Candidate Will
- An interest in building relationships with the community that will positively reflect on the museum.
- A passion for cultural and natural history.
- Knowledge of informal education principles and practices.
- Demonstrate effective organizational skills.
- Plan in a collaborative manner.
- Possess the ability to multi-task and problem solve.
- Communicate effectively with a diverse set of constituents.
- Have strong computer and organizational skills.
- Support the museum’s mission and vision.
- Maintain a positive outlook to engender confidence among staff, volunteers, and colleagues.
- Creative, enthusiastic, and responsible team player.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
- Must be willing to complete on-the-job First Aid/CPR training.
- Must be able to work some weekends and evenings as needed, planned in advance.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license.)
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.
Physical Demands
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.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on May 8, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
