CONTRACT PT Early Childhood STEAM Educator

Job Details: Job Location: Collaborative for Children - HOUSTON, TX, Position Type: Contractor, Salary Range: Undisclosed, CONTRACT, PART-TIME Early Childhood STEAM Educator (20 hours/week) 

PERFECT FOR TEACHERS WHO LOVE WORKING WITH YOUNG CHILDREN BUT NO LONGER WANT A TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM SCHEDULE.

FACILITATE HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES ABOARD OUR INNOVATIVE COLLAB-LAB MOBILE EDUCATION UNIT.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Support school readiness, STEAM learning, literacy, math, social-emotional development, and family engagement through developmentally appropriate activities delivered directly in neighborhoods and community spaces on board a mobile education classroom.

THE CHALLENGE AND THE OPPORTUNITY: 

A child's earliest years shape every milestone that follows: school success, workforce readiness, and economic opportunity. We are creating an ecosystem of the highest quality child care in the communities that need it most, so Houston gains a stronger and better skilled future labor force. 

Are YOU ready to help more young children enter kindergarten curious, confident, and ready to learn? THIS is exactly what we do within the community. We bring the learning (mostly STEAM activities) to community neighborhoods with our Collab-Lab! Check out the experience requirements to see if you qualify.Qualifications: As the contract, part-time educator specialist of the Collab-Lab, some of the essential responsibilities you will handle include:

Facilitate developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning experiences aboard the Collab-Lab mobile education unit and at community-based events.
Support children ages 3-5 and their caregivers in activities that promote kindergarten readiness, including early literacy, early math, science, STEAM exploration, problem-solving, creativity, and social-emotional development.
Implement Collab-Lab activities and lessons aligned to CC’s curriculum, I Wonder framework, and play-based learning approach.
Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and engaging mobile learning environment that encourages child exploration, caregiver participation, and positive adult-child interaction.
Model high-quality early childhood practices, including open-ended questioning, descriptive language, encouragement, scaffolding, and responsive engagement with children and caregivers.
Support caregivers in understanding how to extend early learning at home through simple, practical strategies and activities.
Assist with family registration, attendance tracking, surveys, sign-in processes, and other basic data collection needed for program documentation and reporting.
Support inclusive learning experiences for children with varying developmental needs by adapting activities, materials, language, and engagement strategies as appropriate. 

MUST HAVES:

EDUCATION:

Associates degree or coursework in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, family studies, social work, or a related field preferred; OR
Equivalent experience working with young children, families, early childhood programs, or community-based education programs.
Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, child development, family studies or another related program of study would be ideal.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one year of experience working with young children in an early childhood learning center, school readiness, family engagement, community education, or youth-serving setting preferred.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3-5.
Knowledge of early literacy, early math, STEAM learning, social-emotional development, and play-based learning.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with families, volunteers, interns, community partners, and internal team members.
Ability to adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse learners and families.
Ability to use sound judgment, flexibility, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced event settings.
Ability to work independently while also contributing to a team-based environment.
Conversational fluency in English/Spanish is a plus.

Working Conditions 

Work is carried out in a variety of settings, including the Collab-Lab mobile education unit, community locations, libraries, partner sites, agency events, and office/warehouse spaces.
This position requires travel to different community locations.
Schedule will vary based on Collab-Lab events and community programming needs.
Events are typically Mon – Fri during the day, however schedule flexibility (always advance notice is given) to accommodate occasional weekend and weekday evening events may be necessary.
May require work in indoor and outdoor community event settings.

Physical Requirements 

Physical exertion includes bending, reaching, lifting, pushing, standing, walking, setting up materials, and assisting with event preparation and breakdown.
Must be able to move or lift approximately 25 pounds, including program supplies, bins, learning materials, and event equipment.
Ability to hear, see, and speak with or without reasonable accommodation.
Good vision and hearing acuity, with glasses or hearing aids if necessary.
Manual dexterity and ability to use a computer keyboard, cellular phone, tablet, and program equipment

Other:

Must have reliable transportation.
Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License.
Must have current vehicle insurance coverage.
This is a CONTRACT, paid by the hour, Part-Time position. Based on experience, hourly rate is $15 - 20. Paid bi-weekly with receipt of invoice.

If interested in this position, please go to www.collabforchildren.org. In the Careers section, you will see the posted position. Fully complete the application and sign. Upload a resume. When the application is fully completed, you will automatically receive an email acknowledgement. If hiring manager feels your experience closely aligns with position needs, you will be contacted for next steps.