Early Learning Coach - Part time

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.

Requisition ID: 864
Employee Group: Contingency
Schedule: 16-20 hours per week
Compensation: $25.00
Reports to: Play and Learn Coordinator
Posting Opens: 3/17/2025
Posting Closes: Open until filled

ESSENTIAL 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 (parents, family and group home providers…) 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.
• 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).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related degree with Early Childhood coursework and experience required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Three years’ experience in working with young children Birth to 5 years required
• Bilingual preferred

Skills

• Experience building shared partnerships with families
• Experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and faculty team.

Physical Demands

• 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.

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

• Moderate level of noise at Play and Learn Groups.
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings year-round.
• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.

BENEFITS

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsite gym membership.
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

APPLICATION / HIRING PROCESS

• Please fill out an application at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter, resume. The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

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.

Salary : $25