Assistant Preschool Teacher - Part Time

About the role

The Santa Barbara Zoo is hiring an Assistant Preschool Teacher to deliver engaging, age-appropriate lessons as part of the Early Explorers Preschool program. Join us in fostering curiosity and promoting conservation while ensuring the safety and well-being of our youngest learners!

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Early Explorer Director (EED) and Lead Teachers to execute curriculum that aligns with early childhood best practices and the outdoor preschool philosophy
• Coordinates with the Early Explorer Director to ensure effective execution of program curriculum in an engaging, age-appropriate manner, working with children within the 3-5 age range
• Leads and assists in delivering age-appropriate, experiential learning and engaging activities for children ages 3-5, including but not limited to:
• Nature-based science activities
• Songs, stories, and movement exercises
• Hands-on crafts and sensory play
• Kindergarten readiness activities
• Outdoor exploration, guided walks, and zoo tours
• Accurately explains animal and environmental science concepts in a way that is accessible and engaging for young students
• Assists the Preschool Teachers in daily schedule, curriculum, and activities
• Assists in the setup, cleanup, and maintenance of learning spaces, ensuring they remain safe, clean, and organized
• Innovates pre-approved activities, when necessary, to keep students engaged and focused
• Supervises students and leads activities during extended day care as required
• Inventories and maintains curriculum equipment and supplies
• Maintains children's well-being and responds promptly to any health, safety, or behavioral concerns following established protocols
• Signs students in and out according to established Security and Licensing Procedures and responds professionally to parent’s or guardian’s questions at the direction of the Preschool Director
• Interacts professionally with parents/guardians, zoo visitors, volunteers, and other zoo staff
• Maintains cleanliness of common spaces as pertaining to Title 22 regulations
• Works collaboratively with the Education team to continually improve the Early Explorers Preschool experience
• Adheres to the Zoo’s policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Policy Manual
• Applies and exemplifies “green” (sustainable) practices whenever possible
• Models a sense of curiosity, kindness, and respect for nature, animals, and peers
• Responds to emergencies quickly and follows emergency protocols
• Remains calm and creates an atmosphere of calm and control for those dealing with the emergency situations

Secondary Duties

• Participates in professional development opportunities related to early childhood education, nature-based learning, and child development
• Guest Relations: Greets every guest with a smile, thanks guests for supporting/visiting the Zoo, ensures the Zoo’s presentation standards for cleanliness and maintenance are met, keeps work areas clean, picks up trash, reports unsafe or unsightly conditions, assists and shares information, responds to all guest inquiries, complaints, and comments according to Zoo guest relations procedures, adheres to the zoo’s uniform and appearance standards, takes responsibility to stay informed about happenings at the Zoo, such as reading employee communications and attending meetings, reflects the qualities outlined in the Guest Relations Statement and the Employee Pledge
• Other duties as required

Position Criteria

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• The requirements and environmental characteristics described below are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, and working and physical elements required of the position.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits & Perks

• Great team, beautiful grounds, amazing animal collection, sunshine & ocean view almost year-round!
• Free parking, free guest passes, unlimited free tea/coffee every morning, 20% discounts on food services and retail purchases
• Access to the Collabornation learning platform, professional development events, and lunch & learn opportunities

You must also complete the Zoo's Official Employment Application on the next page in order to be considered for the position*