Play Scientist/ Preschool Teacher

Play Scientist (Preschool Teacher)

Position Type: 0.625 FTE (Part-Time)Reports To: Executive DirectorLocation: Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) – Bainbridge Island, WA

About KiDiMu

The Kids Discovery Museum (KiDiMu) is an award-winning children’s museum where curiosity leads the way. Our new Play Scientist role supports the museum’s part-time, play-based preschool program—offering an inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming environment for young learners to explore, experiment, and discover through hands-on experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

Position Summary

The Play Scientist plans, guides, and implements educational components and daily programming for KiDiMu’s preschool classroom. This educator ensures learning experiences meet early childhood best practices, foster creativity and critical thinking, and reflect KiDiMu’s mission to make learning accessible and joyful for every child.

This is a license-exempt, part-time preschool (serving up to 20 children, for fewer than 4 hours per day). The role upholds the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and developmental appropriateness while maintaining a flexible, playful spirit.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Curriculum and Instruction

• Develop, plan, and teach daily curriculum and activities rooted in Washington State standards that are sensory-rich, inquiry-based, and grounded in STEAM and play.
• Integrate hands-on exploration, art, movement, and storytelling to spark curiosity and promote cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
• Observe and document children’s interests and progress; adapt lessons to meet varied learning styles and needs.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, transitions, and free play to ensure safety and well-being.

Classroom Environment

• Organize and maintain learning areas that are safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
• Foster a classroom culture that emphasizes belonging, creativity, empathy, and problem-solving.
• Model positive behaviors such as emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and cooperative play.
• Support children’s social-emotional growth by validating feelings and helping them navigate challenges constructively.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues through open communication and mutual respect.
• Share daily and weekly updates, newsletters, or learning highlights with families.
• Welcome parent and community participation in classroom activities and special events.

Program Administration

• Maintain classroom supply inventory; coordinate ordering with the Office Administrator and Executive Director.
• Collect feedback and evaluation data (monthly, quarterly, annually) to assess program effectiveness.
• Contribute observations to help inform museum-wide exhibit design and educational program development.
• Support and supervise volunteers or classroom aides as assigned.

Professionalism & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and museum staff to set short- and long-term education goals.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Approach challenges with creativity, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated experience teaching or leading activities for preschool-aged children in a play-based, museum, or early learning environment.
• Strong understanding of child development principles, sensory integration, and behavior-support strategies.
• CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain through museum training).
• Successful background and reference checks.

Preferred:

• Washington State ECE Certificate, or ability/willingness to obtain within the school year.
• Experience in inclusive, trauma-informed, or neurodiversity-affirming educational settings.
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, or nature-based learning philosophies.
• Experience supervising assistants, volunteers, or interns.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds and rearrange classroom materials or furniture.
• Ability to engage in active play and perform duties requiring standing, bending, or repetitive movement.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, stimulating museum environment with multiple concurrent activities.
• Ability to be in the presence of, and work alongside service animals

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate: $22 – $32 DOE
• Paid sick leave and professional development support.
• Complimentary museum membership and access to continuing-education opportunities.

To Apply

Please submit your résumé and a short cover letter describing your teaching philosophy and why playful learning matters to you.Email [Shea @ kidimu.org] with the subject line “Play Scientist Application.”

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• preschool teaching: 3 years (Required)

Language:

• English and Spanish, Portuguese, French, or Italian (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• WA State Teacher Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Bainbridge Island, WA 98110: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person