Director of Early Childhood Learning Lab

 

Department: Early Childhood Learning Lab

 

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

 

The Director of the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the day-to-day operations of an accredited, culturally competent facility that serves as the academic lab for the Education Program. This position involves the implementation and continuous innovation of high-quality early childhood programs for children ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years. The Director works collaboratively with children, families, GRCC students, Education Program faculty, and community stakeholders. In addition, the Director supervises, coaches, and evaluates the faculty and staff of the Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory, ensuring that the lab meets the needs of the GRCC Education Program.

 

Requisition ID: 854

Department: Education

Employee Group: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/employee-groups-resources/employee-groups/professional-management-administration

Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks

Compensation: AM3; $71,199 Annually

Benefits: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/benefits-insurance

Reports to: Dean of Liberal Arts

Posting Opens: 3/17/2025

Posting Closes: Open until filled. Candidate review begins on 4/1/2025

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/COMPETENCIES

 

Builds Collaborative, Authentic, and Trustworthy Working Relationships

 

• Foster a supportive, inclusive environment for staff, children and families, ensuring a culture of respect and continuous learning.

• Demonstrates exemplary interpersonal skills, leading with compassion, respect, empathy, integrity, and a clear understanding of the critical role of early childhood program staff.

• Organizes and facilitates individual, room, and all-staff meetings, developing a staff training plan to meet program goals and requirements.

• Working with the Assistant Director to develop and maintain staff schedules to ensure appropriate classroom coverage and compliance with regulatory standards.

• Actively seeks input from staff regarding their classroom needs, providing hands-on support as necessary.

• Leads hiring, onboarding, and retention efforts, prioritizing professional development and mentorship for long-term success.

• Identifies and builds partnerships with community organizations, establishing mutually beneficial relationships.

• Identifies and addresses family needs, fostering engagement through strategies that promote community and cooperation.

• Collaborates with the Education Program Director to ensure alignment and continuity between the lab setting and academic courses, demonstrating an appreciation for the mission, values, and strategic plan of GRCC.

• Partners with Education Program faculty to coordinate student experiences within the ECLL.

• Maintain transparency through consistent communication with families and staff, including weekly updates to staff.

• Builds partnerships through timely and effective communication.

 

Builds on Strengths and Weaknesses through Feedback, Professional Development, and Reflective Practices

 

• Demonstrate and promote a culture of reflective practice, encouraging staff to engage in self-assessment and professional development opportunities.

• Cultivates an environment where staff can reach their full potential, encouraging the achievement of team and individual goals through environmental support, the maintenance of self-esteem, and the removal of barriers to success.

• Demonstrate empathy and integrity when working with stakeholders, ensuring that the guiding principles of the ECLL and GRCC values are upheld.

 

Maintain Program Excellence and Intentional Practice

 

• Oversees the daily operations of the ECLL, collaborating with GRCC's cross-departmental teams and community partners.

• Ensures ongoing compliance with accreditation, licensing, and program quality standards including the Child Care Licensing Bureau, and Great Start to Quality indicators of excellence.

• Leads the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices, curriculum, and caregiving strategies, ensuring these are consistently modeled by faculty and staff in their interactions with children.

• Coordinates the planning and execution of activities to meet established goals for the ECLL.

• Develops long-term goals to facilitate the growth of the ECLL.

• Identifies and addresses enrollment needs, working with ECLL staff to meet classroom enrollment goals, including fulfilling specific grant requirements.

• Oversees the implementation of program policies and procedures, guiding necessary changes and involving stakeholders in the decision-making process.

• Ensures the curriculum model is adhered to faithfully in classrooms, demonstrating expertise in early childhood education practices and staying current with research.

• Manages grants awarded to the ECLL, ensuring compliance with budget and program requirements.

• Stay informed of emerging research and policy changes in early childhood education.

• Collects and analyzes feedback from families and staff to enhance program effectiveness and drive continuous quality improvement initiatives.

 

Other Responsibilities

 

• As a Campus Security Authority (CSA), this role is responsible for reporting Clery Act Reportable Crimes to Campus Police as required.

• Regular attendance during scheduled hours is essential for effective service delivery and performance of essential duties.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

 

Education and Credentials

 

• Required: Master's degree (M.A.) or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Family Studies, or a related field.

• Preferred: National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).

 

Work Experience

 

• Required: Minimum of two years of experience in leadership and management within an Early Childhood or Family Services Program.

• Required: Minimum of three years of experience teaching in Early Childhood classrooms, with children from birth through age five.

• Preferred: Experience in Community College programming.

 

Skills and Abilities

 

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate complex information through reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.

• Skilled in the management of program budgets and resource allocation, including seeking and acquiring funds.

• Proficient in problem-solving, with the ability to handle a variety of situations in a dynamic environment.

• Familiarity with Child Care Billing Programs, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Child Assessment Management Systems, Child Plus, Michigan Electronic Grant Systems, Publisher, and other relevant technologies.

• Strong ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including individuals of various ages, ethnicities, nationalities, and abilities.

• Self-motivated, resourceful, and capable of demonstrating initiative and innovation in a timely manner.

• Possesses a personable and enthusiastic approach to working with children, families, students, staff, and community members.

 

Physical Demands

 

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

• Capability to kneel, squat, sit on the floor, and return to a standing position.

• Ability to engage with children at floor level and walk long distances.

 

Mental Demands

 

• High energy levels and the ability to maintain composure under pressure.

• Sound judgment when handling sensitive or challenging situations.

• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment while projecting a professional image.

 

Working Conditions

 

• Ability to work in a dynamic and occasionally loud environment, addressing multiple needs as they arise.

• Compliance with any mandated health and safety regulations, as detailed in https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/general-counsel/policies.

• Must be able to work outdoors in both winter (wind chill 10°F or higher) and summer (temperatures 90°F or lower).

• Flexible work schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.

 

BENEFITS

 

• Health Coverage: Six https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/benefits-insurance/medical-plans options, including one with no health insurance premiums.

• Time off: Enjoy substantial https://www.grcc.edu/sites/default/files/docs/humanresources/MeetConferHandbook_05222024.pdf.

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an https://www.grcc.edu/employers-community/ford-fieldhouse

• Continuous Learning: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/grants-department and https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/finance-administration/employee-reimbursement/tuition-benefit.

• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/payroll/annuities-retirement-information, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

 

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

 

Please fill out an application athttps://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and 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.

 

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.

 

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6087618

 

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