Early Learning Coach - Part-time

Grand Rapids Community College • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The role of the Early Learning Coach is to positively impact the learning, development and social skills of young children, improve interactions of caregivers with young children, increase the number of literacy activities offered by caregivers, increase access to community resources for caregivers and children, increase identification of children with developmental delays and referrals for services, and build relationships between children & families and their neighborhood school prior to kindergarten entry. The Early Learning Coach is responsible for planning and implementing the Play and Learn services; they will develop literacy-based curriculum that supports families and caregivers in learning about child development, early language and literacy strategies, and positive discipline that supports children in being ready for kindergarten. Coaches are responsible for all aspects of the Play and Learn Services including recruitment, planning, implementation, documentation and data collection.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related degree with Early Childhood coursework and experience required.
• Three years experience in working with young children Birth to 8 years required
• Experience building shared partnerships with families
• Experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using technology and learning management systems (e.g.,Gmail, Canvas).
• Must be able to bend and lift and/or move 25 pounds.
• Employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be proficient in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Ability to network, build collaborative partnerships within GRCC and the community.
• Ability to demonstrate strong time management and organization skills.
• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Project a professional image including punctuality and good attendance record.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimum supervision.
• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.
• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.
• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• Bilingual preferred

Responsibilities

• Complete the work of the Play and Learn GRCC program efficiently and effectively; flexibility to provide services in multiple formats-face to face playgroups as well as through alternate models
• Participate in community promotional activities for recruitment; connecting families from the neighborhoods to the Play and Learn Group including outreach to childcare providers and Family, Friends and Neighbor Providers.
• Work collaboratively with the other Early Learning Coaches to develop materials for providing caregivers with developmental information and activities that support children's development
• Planning and guiding intentional caregiver learning as well as planning developmentally and culturally appropriate activities for children.
• Maintain positive relationships with all community partners
• Implement Play and Learn activities and services; interact with caregivers to share developmental information and activities.
• Maintain records and documentation as required by the program; including attendance records, documentation of caregiver learning topics, zip code records, and family/caregiver feedback.
• Develop retention strategies that encourage ongoing participation of families and caregivers.
• Have ASQ available as a resource to families, encourage use and support families in accessing additional resources as needed.
• Work with GRCC to provide all aspects of program evaluation.
• Assure that feedback data is collected and recorded according to approved procedures.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Follow designated procedures for ordering materials and supplies necessary for implementing the program.
• Reflect regularly on all aspects of the Play and Learn GRCC program and make suggestions for improvement.
• Promote teamwork and good communication among all Play and Learn GRCC staff and all personnel from partner agencies.
• Conduct community outreach and establish relationships with partner agencies-schools, churches, and community-based organizations
• Support the mission, vision, values and key strategies of GRCC.
• Participate in goal setting and evaluation requirements as staff of GRCC.
• Other job duties and responsibilities as assigned by GRCC.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

Benefits

• Wellness Program : Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership .
• Retirement Plans : Secure your future with our retirement options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level