EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERN

The mission of the Children's Museum Houston is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children in Greater Houston.

For more than four decades, Children's Museum Houston has supported student achievement, empowered parents, and ignited a life-long love of learning. We are consistently rated as one of the top children's museums in the nation. Our programming serves more than 900,000 participants annually at the Museum, at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, and at 270+ outreach locations across Greater Houston. We welcome families with offerings that include 13 exhibits, a performing arts series, a full slate of cultural programming, science activities led by degreed educators, and weekly Free Family Nights.

Job Summary:

The Children's Museum Houston is seeking undergraduate and graduate students interested in early childhood education or related fields for a semester-long internship supporting the Museum's Early Childhood programs. Interns will assist with the preparation and maintenance of educational materials, support family programming at the Museum and in the community and contribute to the development of early childhood curriculum and activities.

This is an unpaid internship designed to provide undergraduate and graduate students with applied professional experience. Academic credit may be arranged if approved by the student's institution. The position requires a minimum commitment of 8-10 hours per week for one academic semester.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work directly with the Early Childhood staff to understand the needs of parents and children in the museum and communities.
• Assist in family programs held at the Children's Museum and in the community.
• Assist in the development of appropriate math, science, and literacy-based family learning programs, activities and resource guides for parents, educators, and librarians.
• Prepare thematic activity kits with appropriate supplies to be user-ready.
• Restocks activity kits after each use.
• Inventory various supply items and reports replenishment needs to program managers.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support ongoing evaluation and institutional learning.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience working with children and families preferred.
• Comfortable engaging with families and children in diverse settings.
• General knowledge of the principles of early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken) required; Spanish proficiency (spoken) preferred.
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and other software.

Preferred qualifications:

• College coursework or experience in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
• Flexibility to work a minimum of 8-10 hours a week at the museum and in the community.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.
• Ability to travel throughout the Greater Houston Area.
• Have reliable transportation, valid Texas Drivers' License, and evidence of insurability.

Education:

• Open to current undergraduate and graduate students in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development, Psychology, Family Studies, or related education fields.

Experience:

• Experience working in an educational setting, such as a school, childcare program, library, or similar programs, is a plus.
• Interest in early learning and child development, learning through play, family and community engagement, and supporting inclusive, hands-on educational experiences for young children.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to move around the Museum frequently, sometimes walking or standing for extended periods of time.
• Able to travel using own transportation from the Museum to outreach event sites in the Greater Houston area.
• Able to carry lightweight objects, lift boxes, and roll carts when needed.

We believe in creating an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion, without bias. We know we are better when we are developed, engaged, and able to contribute our whole authentic selves to accomplish the mission of the Children's Museum Houston. Our people are trusted experts. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train, and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.