Description: ECHO is seeking to hire two Early Childhood Education Interns for the spring season. This internship provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to gain practical experience through informal teaching opportunities with young visitors ages 0-5 and their caregivers through supporting the ECHO Early Learning (EEL) program. ECHO’s Early Childhood Education Internship offers a challenging and highly rewarding experience for anyone considering a career in early education. ECHO is a fast paced environment which requires both team and independent work, the ability to work with visitors of various backgrounds and ages, and an interest in ECHO’s mission to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. The schedule for this opportunity is Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30am - 12pm at ECHO, 1 College Street, Burlington.

What will ECHO Early Education Interns Learn and Experience?:

• Early Childhood Development (including becoming familiar with and how to design curriculum around the Vermont Early Learning Standards)
• Being part of a team that delivers a play based, school readiness program for children ages 1-5 years with an emphasis on S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)
• Working with economically and culturally diverse families in our community: 17 languages were spoken in the home of EEL families last year.
• Mentorship from ECHO’s experienced staff of Early Childhood educators

Responsibilities may include:

• Assist lead instructors with engaging young children in daily learning activities and crafts with an emphasis on STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Math).
• Set up and clean up for the EEL program.
• Work with an advisor on ECHO-related early childhood educational projects.

Essential Skills/Training:

• Understanding of early childhood development.
• Experience working with young children.
• Experience working independently and in diverse teams.
• Self motivated to complete projects in a timely fashion.
• Flexibility and adaptability to complete a wide variety of tasks, including light cleaning.
• Eagerness to engage young children in daily learning activities and crafts.

Time Commitment:

• 9 hours per week
• Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:30 am- 12:00pm at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.