Employment, Internships and Volunteer - Stepping Stones Museum

Employment, Internship and Volunteer Opportunities

Our culture and work is fun. Your role and contribution is very important. Stepping Stones is more than a work environment with a fun culture and creative, friendly staff. It’s a place where you can make a difference by inspiring lifelong learning for children, their caregivers and yourself. We are an extraordinary educational resource and we provide a meaningful work experience.

FULL-TIME OPPORTUNITES

ELLI Teacher

The Early Language and Literacy Initiative (ELLI) is a high quality interdisciplinary approach to early childhood education. The ELLI Teacher will work collaboratively with the innovative ELLI teaching staff and ELLI partners, including Stepping Stones and Literacy How, to ensure quality and comprehensive teaching and learning experiences are consistently provided for young children ages 3 – 5. The ELLI Teacher facilitates the ELLI teaching approach in a complex, play-based learning environment, embedding early language and literacy within content-rich learning units designed to meet the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (Pre K Classes), Common Core State Standards (K Classes) and Next Generation Science Standards. The ELLI Teacher will have frequent contact with parents and families.

The ELLI Teacher will support one or more sites, including the ELLI Lab School and Family and Teacher Resource Center at Stepping Stones and ELLI Pre K Classroom at Fox Run Elementary School in Norwalk, Connecticut. The ELLI Teacher will work with the ELLI Lab School Education Director and support the ELLI Classroom Lead Teachers and pilot design for Norwalk Public Schools.

Position Responsibilities:

Leadership and Accountability

Responsible for the supervision of the children at all times while they are at the site, indoors or outdoors, or on field trips.
At no time shall a child be left unsupervised.
Implements and annually reviews specific written policies, plans and procedures required by applicable statute or regulation.

Learning Impact

Plans and implements immersive learning experiences for ELLI students as part of a collaborative teaching team; embraces and enhances their capabilities; and inspires them to love to learn.
Exhibits enthusiasm for educational innovation and a commitment to creating a child-powered environment both in the classroom and in the museum.
Engages parents and caregivers as partners in their child’s learning by welcoming and connecting with each parent; encourages supportive and involved relationships with each parent; helps to expand parent and caregiver skills.
Works collaboratively with the ELLI teaching team and museum staff; provides cross-functional learning opportunities that embed ELLI into daily museum activities.
Documents and discusses student learning gains and impact the ELLI teaching team, mentors, parents and caregivers.
Participates in ongoing professional development.

Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaborates with the ELLI teaching staff to consistently create quality learning experiences for ELLI students; contributes expertise and ideas.

Stewardship and Community Focus

Acts as an ambassador and actively shares information within area communities to raise awareness of ELLI and ELLI partners.
Represents Stepping Stones as a respected educational resource and communicates the museum’s mission in a variety of settings.
Proactively identifies, recruits and leverages expertise and resources to develop successful community relationships.

Required Education and/or Certifications:

Credentialed early childhood specialist with a degree in early childhood education, child development or human development or a four (4) year degree in a related field with at least twelve (12) credits in child development or early childhood education.
Minimum two (2) years experience at a licensed child day care center that meets standards comparable to those in Connecticut and/or experience in group care for children 3 to 5 years.

Minimum Experience/Skills:

Combination of education and experience in early childhood programs and/or pre-school setting
Knowledge of language and pre-literacy development
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with staff and community partners
Creative problem-solving skills; proven ability to recommend and implement process improvements and new initiatives; strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Sensitive to diversity including individuals with physical challenges or special needs
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Computer skills including Microsoft Office; proven ability to learn new systems and software

Disclaimer:
The above job descriptions and statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the listed positions. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All staff may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.

Please submit a completed application, cover letter and resume.
Email: jobs@steppingstonesmuseum.org
Fax: 203 899 0530
Mail: HR Department, Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park,
303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850

Stepping Stones is an affirmative-action equal opportunity employer. (EEO)

PLAY. HELP. VOLUNTEER!

Stepping Stones Museum for Children is not just for kids. We need you!
Stepping Stones welcomes community talent and helping hands from volunteers who are willing to share their skills as well as their inner child to enhance educational opportunities for children. Get up-close and personal with our visitors and members. Help them learn about art, science, culture and literacy, or work behind the scenes to help us orchestrate successful special events or work with our office staff. With the help of volunteers, Stepping Stones can continually expand our educational programs.

Stepping Stones Volunteers

Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm and leadership potential
Reflect the diversity of our community
Contribute 5 – 10 hours each month

Benefits of Volunteering

Participate in a customized orientation and training
Hands-on experience in a fun, creative and dynamic award-winning museum
Letter of recommendation based on performance
Invitations to exhibit openings and special events
15% discount at museum cafe
Free admission for up to four guests each day

Unique Volunteer Opportunities

Adult Volunteer Program age 18+
Corporate and Group
Internships
Youth Enrichment at Stepping Stones – YES2
Students in Grades 7 – 12

There are several ways to submit a completed volunteer application and resume:

Fill out an online volunteer application.
Download and print a PDF application to send or bring to us.
Fax: 203 899 0530
Mail: HR Department, Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850