Humans have evolved to learn through playful behaviour. Play is the process by which young children make sense of the world around them and is essential for their physical, cognitive, social & emotional development. Sensory play is play that is specifically set up to stimulate children’s senses.

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BACKGROUND

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Over hundreds of thousands of years, humans have evolved to learn through playful behaviour. Play is the process by which young children learn to make sense of the world around them and is essential for children’s physical, cognitive, social development, and emotional well-being. Sensory play is play that is specifically set up to stimulate children’s senses.

Science Minded provides weekly Sensory Play Classes to children in Early Learning Centres across Greater Brisbane. As part of these classes, we provide all the materials and have new and exciting themes each week. This week was "Bubbles" and last week was "Tubes"

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THE ROLE

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• The role involves delivering Sensory Play Classes to Early Learning Centres across Greater Brisbane.

• Engage children aged 0-2 years in sensory-based play.

• Build rapport with the children and early learning educators in the rooms.

• Briefly discuss, where appropriate and in a casual conversation style, the developmental science behind materials & how they relate to children's growing physical, cognitive, social & emotional skills.

• Minimum commitment of 2 hours per week, at a pay rate of $80/h. o Classes are typically delivered between 8:00/9:00am – 10:00/11:00am depending on individual centres and the children’s nap schedules. o Not required to work public holidays or weekends.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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This role is perfect for someone with a background and/or graduate/undergraduate training in:

• occupational therapy

• early child education

• child development

• psychology

• social work

• speech pathology

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Esssential Attributes:

• A genuine enjoyment of interacting with infants and toddlers.

• Pro-child + an appreciation and valuing of child-led learning.

• The ability to be flexible and adaptable.

• Creative & good at problem-solving.

• Unflappable/go with the flow of things.

• Is very familiar with and comfortable around young children (0-2 years).

• Willing to do what’s needed (i.e., some days instead of spending much of your time engaging the children in play, you may be cuddling, comforting, and helping children regulate their emotions).

• Easy going, good at striking up conversation (with early learning educators) and building rapport quickly.

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Required:

• Full, valid & current QLD driving license

• Own car to get to early education centre locations (all over Greater Brisbane - see below for locations).

• A valid & current Blue Card.

• An ABN (or willingness to get one).

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Helpful attributes:

• An understanding and appreciation of Playwork theories and knowledge

• An understanding and appreciation of Attachment Theory and how Attachment works in practice outside of the home

• A good grasp of children's motor, social and emotion development (milestones, what's normal for what ages etc.)

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Training on theories behind play, sensory play, child development and attachment that are required to fully facilitate and deliver Sensory Classes will be provided.

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What is provided?

• A Science Minded branded polo shirt (to be returned at the end of contract).

• All Sensory Materials to be used when delivering Sensory Classes.

• Access to Science Minded IT system and resource base.

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Current Centre Locations:

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Bundamba (already have someone to deliver to this centre) Richlands (already have someone to deliver to this centre)

Auchenflower

Morayfield

Bracken Ridge

Springwood

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Upcoming Centre Locations:

The Gap

Salisbury

Ripley

Ripley South

Collingwood Park

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HOW TO APPLY

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To apply for the above position, please provide a cover letter addressing each of the eligibility requirements, a bit about you and your experience working with young children as well as a CV and your availability to Dr Siobhan Kennedy-Costantini at hello@scienceminded.org