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.
To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6159995
