Toddler Year-Round Lead Teacher

Overview:

ODC Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. At the heart of our mission is the ODC Early Childhood Network, where we proudly offer nature-based discovery preschools in Allegan and Ottawa County.

Our commitment is to provide enriching early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 0-5, fostering the development of social, emotional, and academic skills. The ODC is looking for lead teachers with a genuine love for young children and a commitment to high-quality care who are talented, enthusiastic, and motivated to be part of our team. Teachers at all ODC Early Childhood Centers must be willing to spend time outdoors in all weather with their students!

We are currently hiring for a Year-Round Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom! This position is Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Purpose:

The Lead Teacher will work to provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based childcare experience for children and work actively with ODC staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature. The Lead Teacher will be responsible for designing and implementing an outdoor learning environment where developmentally appropriate practice and child-led play is the focus.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:
The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. To read our diversity statement, go to:

• Supervise and monitor the safety and development of children.
• Interact with students in nature and the classroom setting, engage students in learning activities, prepare meals and snacks, and maintain a safe learning environment.
• Change the diapers/pull-ups of children and manage potty training needs
• Develop and plan age-appropriate learning activities, such as small groups/enrichment activities for individual children and outdoor activities, based on nature-based curriculum and philosophy.
• Organize outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources.
• Plan and lead large group activities, nature hikes, and explorations.
• Complete daily anecdotal note-taking.
• Communicate with parents about their child’s development and daily experiences
• Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and other ODC Network events (some of which may be scheduled outside normal work hours).
• Document the child’s day using the Procare App

Professional Responsibilities:
Maintain educational and training requirements for child care licensing and quality program assessments.

Supervision/Evaluation:
Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Site Director.

• Maintenance of a healthy, safe, and positive environment for staff and children
• Collaboration with parents, children and colleagues
• Demonstrated interest in helping to teach and develop young children and early childhood education
• Strong decision making skills to respond to emergencies or difficult situations
• Commitment to learning 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 with diverse backgrounds and learning differences
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team
• Ability to pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR, or willingness to receive training if needed

• Experience working with children and families
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a Child-Related Field preferred but not required
• Minimum of Current Infant/Toddler or Preschool CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a Child-Related…