Early Childhood Curriculum Coach

Overview: 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.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:

The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.

Purpose: The Early Childhood Curriculum Coach plays a crucial role in designing developmentally appropriate, nature-based curriculum for ages birth-5 at Gentex Discovery Preschool. The Curriculum Coach will also support ODC Early Childhood Network staff in their implementation of curriculum through providing professional development, coaching, modeling, and feedback on curriculum instruction.

Primary Responsibilities: 

Work full-time, year-round with Gentex Discovery Preschool staff to maintain high-quality, child-led, nature-based teaching standards and curriculum through:

• Curriculum Development and Support
  • 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 across all year-round ODC Discovery Preschool sites.
  • Collaborate with teachers to ensure compliance with curriculum requirements. 
• Nature-Based Experiences
  • 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 our sites. 
  • As needed, assess the effectiveness of ODC’s Early Childhood Networks’ curriculum and assessments for the birth-five age group. 
• Professional Development and Training
  • 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.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • All other duties as assigned by the Chief of Early Childhood Education and the executive management tea

Professional Responsibilities: Maintain educational and training requirements for childcare licensing and quality program assessments.

Supervision/Evaluation: Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Chief of Early Childhood Education. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field preferred
• Minimum of Current Preschool CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field required.
• Experience in infant-toddler curriculum preferred
• Experience in nature-based education or environmental sciences preferred
• Experience in birth-five curriculum required

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• 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. 
• Must pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting. 
• Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Training will be provided if needed. 
• Bilingual English speakers are highly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands: This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, lifting, bending, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity. The work/teaching is performed indoors and outdoors. Additionally, this position requires occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds and walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods of time.

Equipment Operated:  Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite, and the operation of general office equipment.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position. This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned above.

Salary : $45,000 - $55,000