Early Childhood Programming Specialist

Do you have experience, skills and knowledge in early child development and implementing STEAM programming? Do you possess excellent analytical and problem solving skills, strong communication and collaboration skills, and exhibit good judgment in assessing compliance and legislative requirements?

If so, consider joining the Ontario Science Centre, where you will lead and advise colleagues in the content planning, development and engagement strategy for in-person and virtual early childhood STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming for children ages 2-8 and their caregivers.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:
• Create content for early childhood STEAM workshops/programs
• Implement programming in collaboration with experts and specialists
• Promote programs to target audiences
• Initiate and maintain relationships with early childhood education and pedagogical experts
• Participate in the evaluation of existing exhibits and programs and provides analysis of new or proposed exhibits and programs for
• Conduct research on early childhood program offerings to assess market opportunities and recommend new or renewed offerings at the OSC
• Support community outreach programs to assist in the promotion of program offerings to attract program participants

How do I qualify?

Program Knowledge and Organizational Skills

• Theoretical and practical knowledge of early childhood development principles
• Knowledge of programming principles and techniques and ability to deliver engaging presentations, demonstrations, and activities which interest and educate children ages 2-8 and their caregivers
• Knowledge of project management principles to successfully manage and implement programming
• Knowledge of the objectives of the OSC's strategic priorities to support the integration of early childhood STEAM programs and experiences
• Knowledge of computer software including presentation and instructional technology software
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to plan, organize, coordinate and deliver programs

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Work co-operatively in teams across the OSC and with stakeholders to achieve goals
• Collaborate on strategies/ new program projects and initiatives
• Utilize your written and oral communication skills to deliver staff training and prepare scripts, manuals, status reports, and planning documents

Analytical and Problem Solving Skills

• Ability to support the assessment of program development, analyze program participation trends, and recommend strategies
• Discuss and provide advice and recommendations on program development, delivery and evaluation to departments
• Capacity to adjust to diverse audiences and levels of understanding of science and technology
• Ability to respond immediately to questions and other unexpected situations arising during program delivery (e.g., special needs, equipment malfunction, behavioural problems, etc.)

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Thursday, December 1, 2022 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.