Job Description

Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL) Instructor

 

Date: February 3, 2023
Position Title: Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL) Instructor
Department: Preschool Lab
Job ID: 1482
Work Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week, 42 weeks per year
Compensation: Consistent with Faculty Association contract (Page #112)
Reports to: Director of Early Childhood Learning Laboratory
Posting Close Date: March 4, 2023

 

SUMMARY
GRCC is seeking a faculty member who possesses an interest in working with diverse student populations from a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability. The successful candidate will engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large. Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Liberal Arts and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communications skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.
The expectation is that faculty at the ECLL are able to work with any age group from birth to age 5. Classroom placements are assigned each year.

Essential Job Functions
College Student /Faculty Role
● Model appropriate and effective teaching and caregiving practices to college students.
● Supervise, coach and guide interns throughout the semester.
● Assist and replace other Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL) faculty as needed.
● Coordinate, supervise, evaluate and debrief college students individually on their planned activities in the classroom throughout the day.
● Work cooperatively with all members of the Education team to meet the goals of the program.
● Prepare classroom environment and materials so lab students can implement their assignments.
● Communicate and accommodate lab student make ups as needed.
● Participate in college-wide committees as assigned.

 

Curriculum, Assessment/Screening and Quality Initiatives
● Plan and implement a curriculum that enhances the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of each child. Lesson plans must meet accreditation, TQRIS standards, as well as incorporate learning objectives and meet any current funding criteria.

● Responsible for knowing and implementing required procedures of grant programs. Conduct follow-up conferences with families and teachers, and maintain correspondence.

● Maintain licensing, accreditation, TQRIS, and grant initiatives as required for individual classrooms.

● Provide enriching learning experiences and care to assigned primary and/or small group children.

● Assess childrens development utilizing HighScopes COR Advantage assessment tool; providing data input and completing assigned checkpoints. Use data collected for lesson planning and room organization.

● Implement screening tools with children, gathering and reporting data.

● Compose, display and maintain informative classroom documentation, including newsletters, family boards, and required classroom paperwork as required to meet NAEYC and TQRIS standards.

 

Environment
● Maintain a healthy and safe classroom as defined by licensing, accreditation and TQRIS standards.
● Collaborate with classrooms to maintain essential classroom coverage ratios, having flexibility to assist other classrooms as needed.
● Responsible for establishing, maintaining and implementing special needs, allergy and asthma action plans.
● An awareness of appropriate childcare food program practices and ability to implement these in the classroom.

 

Children and Families
● Establish supportive relationships with families, maintaining daily communication and collaborating to promote the well-being of each child and their classroom success.

● Responsible for coordination and completion of family conferences and home visits.

● Work collaboratively with classroom staff to organize, coordinate, implement and attend family and/or staff engagements events.

● Support classroom staff in the assembling and maintaining paperwork and materials that are current and inclusive of all children in the classroom. (Cubbies, mailboxes, cots, name charts, etc.).

● Provide consistent, clear and timely communication with office staff in regards to child absences, changes of schedule and other pertinent information.

● Work collaboratively with other ECLL staff to plan and implement smooth transitions for children who are moving into new classrooms.
Community (College and Broader)

● An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.

● An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin, and ability.

● A commitment to serve the Kent County community, including hosting visitors in your classroom and articulating the goals of our program.

 

Professionalism
● Lead classroom staff in weekly classroom team meetings, providing input and responses to evaluate and promote childrens development, classroom curriculum and classroom activities.

● Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for effectively meeting the functions of this position.

● Take the initiative for your own professional growth.

● Commitment to the well-being of each and every child attending preschool.

● Strong commitment to innovation and current best practices in the child development field.

● Demonstrated initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.

● Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.

● High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.

● Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.

● Active in community meetings supporting programing at the ECLL including GSRP, ELNC and others.

● Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner.

● Hosting visitors in the ECLL including tours and professional development opportunities.

● Follow the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct in decision making.

● Maintain effectiveness and professionalism under stressful circumstances.

● Project a professional image.

● Must possess the personality and enthusiasm to work with children, students and college staff.

● Must be self-motivated and resourceful, demonstrating initiative to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner to meet standards.

● Ability to collaborate, mentor and coach classroom team members.

● Perform other duties as assigned.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education/License
● Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family and Child Studies or related field required. Candidates with a bachelors degree may be considered with the understanding that a Masters degree must be achieved within three years of hire.

● Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Family and Child Studies, or related field preferred.

● Complete a minimum of 24 hours of early childhood professional development per year, documented in Mi Registry. Three hours in Cultural Competence are required.

● Acquire and maintain DHS clearance, fingerprinting and any other clearance required by licensing and funding criteria.

● Acquire and maintain CPR and First Aid Certification.

● Acquire and maintain TB test and physical annually, meeting program requirements.

 

Work Experience
● A minimum of three years full time experience with infants, toddlers and/or preschoolers required.
● Five years experience in early childhood.
● Experience working in a college campus early childhood center preferred.
Equipment Use/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
● Proficient in software applications (Word, Publisher) and other relevant technology applications such as COR.
● Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

 

Physical Demands
● Ability to lift and move 50 lbs.
● Must be able to kneel, squat, sit on floors and hold hands with children and sit in low chairs.
● Must be able to walk at least one mile in distance.
● Engage in year-round outside activities in all types of weather.

 

Mental Demands
● An understanding of and appreciation for the community college philosophy and student population.
● An interest in working with diverse student populations, who represent a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability.
● A commitment to serve the Kent County community.
● Demonstrated initiative and organizational and problem-solving abilities.
● Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties with minimum supervision.
● High energy level with enthusiasm and interest in helping and supporting students, staff, and the general public.
● 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 pleasant and professional manner.

 

Working Conditions
● Early Childhood classroom environment in an academic setting.
● Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings.

 

BENEFITS

Grand Rapids Community College provides an excellent benefits experience for our GRCC family. Our benefit package is designed to enhance employees' health and well-being. Part-time employees have different benefits outlined in the specific collective bargaining agreements and handbooks. Below is an overview of these benefits, additional details are available on the Human Resources/Benefits website:

● Six health insurance plan options (includes a high deductible plan with a health savings account option).
● A unique dental & vision reimbursement program (includes coverage for adult orthodontia & lasik eye surgery).
● Employer sponsored retirement plans as well as voluntary retirement savings plans (403b or 457 plans)
● Tuition benefits at GRCC for you, your spouse and your dependents.
● Tuition reimbursement at other higher education institutions for you.
● Generous time off that includes sick, vacation and personal leave banks.
● Paid holidays and holiday shutdown period in late December!

 

Method of application
To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.grcc.edu/jobs Grand Rapids Community College is only accepting online applications for this position. In one document submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript(s), and three professional reference letters for full consideration. The opportunity to apply for this position will close on March 4, 2023 at 11:59PM. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 

Grand Rapids Community
College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visa sponsorship is not available. 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.

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