Oklahoma City Zoo

Preschool Lead

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Type:
Hourly
Rate:
Range $14.75 - $18.10
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Work Schedule

Standard Hours
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Professional development opportunities
Employee Discounts
wellness programs

Job Description

The Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden, located in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, is a leading institution dedicated to connecting people with the planet's vanishing wildlife and wild places. Serving as a vital cultural and educational landmark, the Zoo inspires visitors to actively participate in conservation efforts while providing an engaging and immersive experience through a variety of animal exhibits, botanical gardens, and educational programs. Renowned for its commitment to wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a vibrant community resource that helps foster respect and care for the natural world... Show More

Job Requirements

  • high school diploma or ged
  • six months experience working with preschool-age children ages 2-5 years in a formal or informal educational setting
  • ability to complete cpr/first aid certification within 30 days of hire
  • ability to complete okc zoo health and safety institute training within 30 days of employment
  • regular, timely attendance
  • ability to pass pre-employment and periodic background and restricted registry checks
  • ability to undergo annual tuberculosis testing
  • capability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • ability to maintain calm and professional demeanor in stressful situations

Job Qualifications

  • high school diploma or ged
  • six months experience working with preschool-age children ages 2-5 years in a formal or informal educational setting
  • ability to complete cpr/first aid certification within 30 days of hire
  • ability to complete okc zoo health and safety institute training within 30 days of employment
  • knowledge of oklahoma academic standards for pre-k
  • strong communication skills with families and co-teachers
  • ability to engage children in developmentally appropriate nature-based activities
  • understanding of safety and emergency protocols
  • commitment to ongoing professional development

Job Duties

  • work in teaching teams to facilitate nature-based activities that reflect the children’s needs and interests
  • deliver provided curriculum and lesson plans aligned with pre-k oas to nurture and stimulate all domains of each children’s development
  • observe and record each children’s development using a combination of notes, assessments, portfolios, and documentation panels that measure physical, social/emotional, linguistic, and cognitive development
  • share professional observations with families as needed and requested
  • encourage appropriate behaviors and re-direct inappropriate behaviors following standard operating procedures
  • present ambassador animals after receiving training
  • provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for young children indoors and outdoors
  • assist children with a healthy, safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate environment
  • ensure that all activities comply with safety protocols
  • understand and follow all of the zoo's safety and emergency protocols
  • document behavioral and incident reports and effectively relay information to supervisors and parents
  • maintain regular and professional communication with teaching teams and families, including sending updated photos on brightwheel daily, leading parent-teacher conferences twice a year, and attending weekly staff meetings
  • collaborate with preschool manager, supervisor, and coordinator in the creation of nep special programming
  • apply developmentally appropriate practices to all interactions with children, including reflective listening, modeling social/emotional norms, and promoting self-regulation
  • complete daily assigned responsibilities including set-up, clean-up, and program maintenance
  • keep all children active and engaged in the classroom and outdoors
  • participates in conservation activities to support zoo's mission
  • communicate and interact professionally with teachers, students, parents, and zoo guests, conveying a professional, welcoming and friendly attitude
  • value and support all work group members, offering assistance to ensure each other's and the whole team's success
  • set personal and professional goals, seeking opportunities to develop skills in focus areas
  • maintain okdhs & cepcd requirement for 12 clock hours of professional development per year
  • practice and model the zoo's values centered on wildlife and wild places, conservation, people, and leadership

Job Qualifications

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)

Job Location

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