Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Preschool Lead
Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, 73116
As the Preschool Lead Teacher at the Oklahoma City Zoo, you will foster the academic and social‑emotional growth of preschoolers (ages 2‑5) through hands‑on, nature‑based learning. From animal encounters to zoo tours, arts, crafts, and games, you’ll create engaging experiences that spark curiosity and connection with wildlife.
Employment Details Employment Status:
Full Time FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt Pay Rate:
$14.75–$18.10/hr Experience Required:
6 months working with preschool‑age children (ages 2‑5) in a formal or informal educational setting Minimum Education Requirements:
High School Diploma/GED Department:
Conservation, Education, Science Direct Supervisor:
Early Childhood Center Director Certification:
CPR/1st Aid (within 30 days), OKC Zoo Health and Safety Institute training (within 30 days), annual tuberculosis testing
Job Summary The preschool lead teacher positively fosters the academic, social‑emotional growth, and development of all children in their care and develops effective partnerships with co‑teachers. The lead teacher ensures compliance with all state and local regulations, works collegially with other staff, and fulfills the Zoo’s mission and strategic goals. This position engages students through environmental and conservation education lessons that support the Zoo’s mission and vision, fosters connection with nature and animals, and delivers lessons aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS). Daily preschool includes nature play, zoo tours, animal encounters, arts, crafts, games, and other activities for mixed‑age groups ranging from 2 to 5 years old.
Essential Job Functions
Work in teaching teams to facilitate nature‑based activities that reflect the children’s needs and interests; deliver curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Pre‑K OAS to nurture all development domains.
Observe and record each child’s development using notes, assessments, portfolios, and documentation panels; share professional observations with families as needed.
Encourage appropriate behaviors and redirect 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 all activities comply with safety protocols; understand and follow all Zoo 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.
Participate 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 & CECPD 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.
Non‑Essential Job Functions
Perform other duties as assigned.
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Employment Details Employment Status:
Full Time FLSA Status:
Non‑Exempt Pay Rate:
$14.75–$18.10/hr Experience Required:
6 months working with preschool‑age children (ages 2‑5) in a formal or informal educational setting Minimum Education Requirements:
High School Diploma/GED Department:
Conservation, Education, Science Direct Supervisor:
Early Childhood Center Director Certification:
CPR/1st Aid (within 30 days), OKC Zoo Health and Safety Institute training (within 30 days), annual tuberculosis testing
Job Summary The preschool lead teacher positively fosters the academic, social‑emotional growth, and development of all children in their care and develops effective partnerships with co‑teachers. The lead teacher ensures compliance with all state and local regulations, works collegially with other staff, and fulfills the Zoo’s mission and strategic goals. This position engages students through environmental and conservation education lessons that support the Zoo’s mission and vision, fosters connection with nature and animals, and delivers lessons aligned with Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS). Daily preschool includes nature play, zoo tours, animal encounters, arts, crafts, games, and other activities for mixed‑age groups ranging from 2 to 5 years old.
Essential Job Functions
Work in teaching teams to facilitate nature‑based activities that reflect the children’s needs and interests; deliver curriculum and lesson plans aligned with Pre‑K OAS to nurture all development domains.
Observe and record each child’s development using notes, assessments, portfolios, and documentation panels; share professional observations with families as needed.
Encourage appropriate behaviors and redirect 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 all activities comply with safety protocols; understand and follow all Zoo 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.
Participate 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 & CECPD 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.
Non‑Essential Job Functions
Perform other duties as assigned.
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