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.
Essential Job Functions
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
Maintain positive relationships with all community partners.
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
Implement Play and Learn activities and services; interact with caregivers to share developmental information and activities in person and virtually.
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.
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.
Job Specifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development (Masters preferred) with Early Childhood coursework and experience.
Work Experience
Three years' experience in working with young children Birth to 5 years
Experience with special needs learners is a benefit
Experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds; bilingual given preference
Ability and aptitude to conduct community outreach and establish relationships with partner agencies-schools, churches, and community based organizations
Mental Demands
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.
Use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations.
Project a professional image including punctuality and good attendance record.
Demonstrate initiative and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimum supervision.
Working Conditions
Ability to travel within the community to assigned work sites which may not be barrier free.
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.
Moderate level of noise at Play and Learn Groups.
Occasional work outside of normal business hours.
Candidate must
Be able to pass Criminal Background Check
Be Fingerprinted
Complete Infant-Child CPR/First Aid
Method of Application
Grand Rapids Community College is only accepting online applications for this position at GRCC job postings. Submit a cover letter and resume in one document. The opportunity to apply for this position will close on open until filled. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer.
Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.
The urban campus of Grand Rapids Community College is situated on a six-block area in the heart of Michigan’s second largest metropolitan area with a population approaching one million. GRCC, founded in 1914, is the oldest community college in Michigan, but the atmosphere is exciting and contemporary; its top-notch faculty, commitment to diversity in programming and campus lifestyle, and the strong spirit of community collaboration under the leadership of President Bill Pink, make it a vital and rewarding workplace. Known as “The Community’s College,” GRCC is responsive to the needs of surrounding business, economic, cultural and educational environments. The college offers credit and non-credit, associate degree and certification programs, and workforce training at both on- and off-campus locations so that students of all ages and abilities can pursue personal goals for higher education and/or enhanced job opportunities with success. For more information about GRCC, visit our website at www.grcc.edu