Summary:
The Community Based Program Lead: Farm Collaboration will be responsible for childcare licensing management of the GSRP preschool classroom hosted in collaboration with Zeeland Public Schools and Critter Barn. Under the leadership of the Director of Early Childhood, this role involves overseeing compliance with childcare licensing standards during student contact hours, supporting the certified GSRP Teacher during daily classroom hours, and ensuring the implementation of safe and developmentally appropriate practices in a unique, farm-based educational setting.
The Community Based Program Lead: Farm Collaboration will report to the Director of Early Childhood, the designated childcare licensing designee for this program.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in the implementation of program policies to ensure compliance with Michigan childcare licensing standards.
- Ensure licensing requirements, including health, safety, and documentation standards, are met consistently.
- Communicate safe operating procedures with the GSRP Teacher, farm staff, and childcare families.
- Stay informed about licensing changes and best practices in early childhood education.
- Assist with setting up and maintaining an inviting, engaging, and safe classroom and outdoor environment.
- Support hands-on, experiential learning activities involving farm animals, chores, and daily farm life as planned by the GSRP Teacher.
- Actively participate in classroom activities to foster a positive learning atmosphere.
- Participate in the integration of outdoor learning opportunities in all seasons.
- Assist in implementing positive behavior support to promote a constructive learning environment.
- Work with special education staff to ensure inclusion opportunities.
- Coordinate with farm staff and GSRP Teacher to carry out meaningful and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Promote the mission of the farm-based preschool program by fostering a love of learning in students and engaging families in unique educational experiences.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance to support program needs.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to enhance understanding of farm-based education, child development, and effective instructional strategies.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with staff, students, families and Director of Early Childhood.
Qualifications: - Meets the credential pathway requirements as defined by MI childcare licensing.
- Must be 21 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Valid Child Development Associates (CDA) required.
- Must have 18 hours of coursework in Early Childhood Development and 960 hours of classroom experience.
This role is ideal for an experienced early childhood educator passionate about fostering meaningful connections between families and community-based partners while supporting the GSRP Teacher and working collaboratively with the licensing designees. The Community Based Program Lead: Farm Collaboration will play a critical role in supporting the early education experiences of Zeeland’s youngest learners, blending innovative farm-based learning with high-quality early childhood practices.
Schedule:
Hourly Monday - Thursday 8:30 am – 3:45 pm, Friday hours vary based on professional development and special events. School Year Only.
Compensation
Preschool Level III - $21.02 - $24.60
New Position
Once the posting deadline date has been met (if applicable), the supervisor/principal will review applications and schedule interviews with the most qualified candidates. An email will be sent to applicants when the position has been filled.
