Early Childhood Coach

ODC NetworkZeeland, MI
Hybrid

About The Position

ODC Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. At the heart of our mission is the ODC Early Childhood Network, where we proudly offer nature-based discovery preschools in Allegan and Ottawa County. Our commitment is to provide enriching early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 0-5, fostering the development of social, emotional, and academic skills. The Early Childhood Coach plays a crucial role in supporting high-quality, developmentally appropriate, nature-based learning experiences for children ages birth-5. The Coach supports ODC Early Childhood Network staff through professional development, coaching, modeling, and feedback related to curriculum implementation, instructional practices, classroom support strategies, and social emotional teaching.

Requirements

  • Minimum of Current Preschool CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field required.
  • Experience in birth-five curriculum required.
  • Must pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting.
  • Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Training will be provided if needed.

Nice To Haves

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field preferred
  • Experience in infant-toddler curriculum preferred
  • Experience in nature-based education or environmental sciences preferred
  • Experience with Conscious Discipline, relationship-based care, or social emotional teaching practices preferred.
  • Demonstrated interest in young children and early childhood education.
  • Interest in nature, nature-based inquiry and learning.
  • Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day, in all types of weather.
  • Demonstrated good character, responsibility and suitability to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team.
  • Bilingual English speakers are highly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

  • Work with ODC staff at Gentex Discovery Preschool to maintain high-quality, child-led, nature-based teaching standards and curriculum.
  • Coach and model the implementation of nature-based, birth-five curriculum, emphasizing lesson planning and study development for ODC teachers across all year-round ODC Discovery Preschool sites.
  • Maintain and update the curriculum drive, incorporating components tailored to the unique needs of infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children, aligned with ODC’s Early Childhood Network’s vision.
  • Manage and update physical curriculum resources in curriculum rooms at Gentex Discovery Preschool.
  • Collaborate with teachers to ensure compliance with curriculum requirements.
  • Collaborate with Early Childhood Naturalists and Nature-Based Curriculum Coach to plan and prepare high-quality nature experiences specifically tailored to our birth-five, year-round programming at Gentex Discovery Preschool.
  • As needed, assess the effectiveness of ODC’s Early Childhood Networks’ curriculum and assessments for the birth-five age group.
  • Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate supports and social emotional teaching practices across birth-five classrooms through relationship-based approaches and Conscious Discipline strategies.
  • Model and coach proactive and responsive teaching strategies that support emotional regulation, relationship-building, and positive peer interactions.
  • Work alongside teachers to support classroom routines, transitions, and environments that promote social emotional development and reduce challenging behaviors.
  • Collaborate with Site Directors, Support Services, and classroom teaching teams to support children with varying developmental and behavioral needs.
  • Provide in-classroom modeling, feedback, and reflective support related to classroom management, co-regulation, and teaching practices.
  • Provide timely, responsive support to classrooms experiencing behavioral challenges, partnering with Support Services to ensure coordinated, consistent interventions.
  • Stay current on best practices in curriculum development within environmental and early childhood education, attending webinars and professional development opportunities.
  • Plan and facilitate birth-five, nature-based education training sessions for ODC’s Early Childhood Network.
  • All other duties as assigned by the Chief of Early Childhood Education and the executive management team.
  • Maintain educational and training requirements for childcare licensing and quality program assessments.
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