Site Director

Salary: Depending on ExperienceOverview: The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. ODC Early Childhood Network operates a number of nature-based preschools and childcare facilities in Allegan and Ottawa County. ODC Early Childhood Network provides early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 0-5, building social emotional and academic skills within a unique natural environment with an emphasis on nature based inquiry and outdoor exploration.ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.Primary Responsibilities: The core role of the Site Director is to ensure that ODC Networks Discovery Preschools are delivering a high quality early childhood education in their preschool and childcare classrooms. The Site Director will train, observe, coach, supervise, and evaluate teachers and office staff of our nature-based early childhood education program. The Site Director may be required to occasionally teach as part of their support of classroom teachers and students.Duties and Responsibilities:Member of the Early Childhood Leadership TeamDevelops and maintains relationships with staff, families and childrenTreats all people fairly and with dignity and respect.Maintains the confidentiality of students, families and staff.Communicates with parents on a regular basis, including navigating sensitive and difficult situations that arise as caregivers of young childrenRoutinely responds to unforeseen situations outside of normal business hoursMaintains educational and training requirements for preschool licensing and quality program assessments.Organize and maintain preschool licensing requirementsDevelops relationships within the communityUnderstands and values nature based education in early childhoodPassionately believes in and is able to communicate all aspects of the ODC Networks nature based approach to teaching and learningCoordinates hiring, onboarding and training plans for teaching staffConducts classroom observations to regularly support and ensure quality nature based curriculum implementation and deliveryProvides check-ins, evaluations and coaching to designated staffSupports and supervises staff and provides feedback for growth and developmentSchedules substitute teachers as neededOversees PELI and TS GOLD data and implementationAttends and participates in GSRP administration meetingsCollaborative curriculum development and implementationAssists with parent education classes, teacher training, and other preschool activities; this includes occasional evening commitmentsLeads staff meetings, plans staff professional development events, and participates in other ODC Network eventsParticipates with other staff members in developing collaborations with other preschools and childcare facilities, including nature-based preschools, as well as engaging with other community and professional organizationsCreates a culturally responsive climate that values, accepts, and understands diversity in culture and point of view.Although not a primary responsibility, this position may occasionally require teaching children and leading a classOther duties as assigned by the Chief of Early Childhood Education or the Early Childhood Leadership TeamSupervision/Evaluation:Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Chief of Early Childhood Education.Education/Experience:Minimum of a Bachelors Degree in Education and a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an emphasis in early childhood education (ZS endorsement, Masters in Early Childhood, or similar degree). Must have experience working with teachers, parents and caregivers and be well versed in early childhood teaching and learning. Applicants will have a strong appreciation for the nature-based learning model.Other Skills and Abilities:Demonstrated interest in young children and early childhood education.Highly effective organizational, time management, and multitasking skillsInterest in nature and being outdoors.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.Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and the operation of general office equipment.Demonstrated ability to work in a team.Must pass Michigan child care background check, including fingerprinting, and have a valid drivers license and be fully insurable by the ODC NetworkCurrent certification in First Aid/CPR desired; training will be provided if needed.Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are encouraged to applyPhysical 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.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.ODC Network complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Kaylee Mesbergen, Chief of People & Culture, at kaylee@outdoordiscovery.org.