Early Childhood Program Coordinator

Position Description

Job Title:                      Early Childhood Program Coordinator

Department:                Field         

Reports To:                   CLEO Director

FSLA Status:                   Non-Exempt

Terms of Employment: 30-32 hours/week

Compensation:            $30,000-$35,000 annual salary (based on full-time employment); benefits available with full-time employment

Criminal background check required.

Communities In Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status in its employment decisions or the provision of services.

SUMMARY

The Early Childhood Program Coordinator will provide direct services to families in Central Lake to positively impact the learning, development, and social skills of young children, improve interactions between caregivers and young children, increase the access to community resources for caregivers and children, and build relationships between children & families and the school prior to kindergarten entry. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan and implement regular playgroup parent/child socialization experiences using the Strengthening Families Model to ensure quality and consistent purpose.
• Provide information to caregivers/families about experiences and opportunities in Central Lake.
• Provide individual support and consultation with caregivers/families to enhance relationships and trust building as a way to support the formal referral process to connect them with community supports.
• Plan and guide intentional caregiver learning as well as plan developmentally and culturally appropriate activities for children.
• Work collaboratively with the CLEO partner organizations and staff.
• Participate in community promotional activities to connect with caregivers/families.
• Work with the school on pre-k and kindergarten transition activities and family engagement events.
• Work with CLEO partners to ensure universal distribution of books and activity bags.
• Distribute basic need items (e.g. diapers) as necessary.
• Assist CLEO Director in planning and implementing CLEO events including the Baby Shower & Community Picnic.
• Maintain records and documentation as required by the program, including attendance records, documentation of learning topics, and family/caregiver feedback.
• Develop retention strategies that encourage participation of families and caregivers.
• Participate in all aspects of program evaluation.
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings.
• Participate in training to grow knowledge and skills.
• Follow designated procedures for ordering materials and supplies necessary for implementing the program.
• Promote teamwork and good communication among CIS (Communities In Schools) staff and CLEO partners.
• Support the mission, vision, values and key strategies of CIS and CLEO.
• Other job duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Aside from having experience working with early childhood, effective written and verbal communication skills and familiarity with local health and human service agencies, the candidate must possess the knowledge, skills and personal attributes needed by entry-level professionals to support the critical features of positive childhood development settings.  These core competencies are as follows:

• Understand and apply basic child development principles.
• Communicate and develop positive relationships with children, families, and caregivers.
• Adapt, facilitate, and evaluate age-appropriate activities.
• Respect and honor cultural and human diversity.
• Involve and empower caregivers.
• Identify potential risk factors (in a program environment) and take measures to reduce risk.
• Care for, involve and work with families and community.
• Work as part of a team and show professionalism.
• Demonstrate the attributes and qualities of a positive role model.
• Interact with and relate to children, families, and caregivers in ways that support asset building.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated relevant equivalent experience in early childhood education, child development or related degree.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to write and edit professional correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from clients and the general public, orally and in writing.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position is located at the Ursula House and Central Lake Elementary School.  Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality are required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

CLEO - Central Lake Early Opportunities - is a network of community partners, uniting to provide early childhood activities and services for parents and families of Central Lake. Services and programs offered by a variety of partner organizations are free and open to all children, prenatal to 8 years, and parents in the Central Lake area. CLEO is funded by a variety of community sources, with significant funding from a permanent endowment - the Cleo M. Purdy Endowment - established by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. The Endowment honors the wishes of Cleo M. Purdy, a Central Lake native and generous donor, and her vision to support early childhood work in the community, forever. The Endowment provides support to this collaborative effort, creating a lasting impact on early childhood development in Central Lake. 

CLEO is managed by a steering committee of local community partner organizations, including Central Lake Public Schools, Char-Em Intermediate School District, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation, Great Start Collaborative/Parent Coalition, Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, and Communities in Schools of Northwest Michigan. Programs and services may be offered with other supportive agencies in the region.