Child Care Lead Teacher/Trainer - North Central Michigan College

Job Description:

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• $52,000-56,000 per year, Temporary position.

• Multiple generous medical plans offered with employee and family coverage options and cash in-lieu option if waiving coverage. Effective on first day.

• Employer-paid vision & dental with employee and family coverage options, employer-paid employee life insurance, employer-paid AD&D and employer-paid long-term disability insurance. Effective on first day.

• Multiple retirement plans offered, including through the state of Michigan, all with employer matching. Effective on first day.

• 6+ paid holidays. Eligible upon date of hire.

• Paid time off and paid bereavement time offered. Eligible upon date of hire.

• Tuition waiver and reimbursement program for eligible employee and/or dependents.

• Employer-paid access to confidential employee assistance program for employee and/or dependents.

• Free access to gym, fitness center and home sporting events.

• On-site cafeteria

• College bookstore discount.

• Discounts on Lifelong Learning series and Luncheon Lectures hosted by Corporate & Community Education.

• And more!

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

The Child Care Lead Teacher/Trainer at North Central Michigan College is a visionary educator responsible for mentoring and training Assistant Teachers in the future Reggio Emilia inspired Early Childhood Program. This position serves as a critical member of a team of educators tasked with creating an inclusive and nurturing learning environment where children are empowered to explore, question, collaborate, and construct knowledge with enthusiasm and confidence. The Lead Teacher/trainer will seek to learn and be part of a vibrant, highly collaborative Early Childhood team that consistently seeks to reflect on and improve their Reggio inspired programming.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

Classroom Leadership and Vision:

• Lead the classroom staff in alignment with the institution's vision and mission, fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and inclusivity.

• Provide visionary classroom leadership in implementing the Reggio Emilia philosophy, ensuring children's holistic development and independent thinking.

• Mentor classroom staff in developmentally appropriate practice and oversee the implementation of a play-based, inquiry-driven curriculum that responds to children's interests and curiosity.

• Collaborate with staff to create an environment that acts as a third teacher, filled with inspiring materials and resources.

• Take initiative in, and has global awareness of, all aspects of the Lead Teacher role including classroom management, task delegation, social-emotional needs of children, moving effectively through daily schedule, and adjusting to the needs of the classroom.

Relationship Building:

• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with children, teaching team, families, and the community based on trust, respect, and effective communication.

• Lead regular, and meaningful, communication with families, including but not limited to in-person conversations/meetings, virtual meetings, email, Brightwheel communication, parent and teacher conferences and child portfolios.

Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing professional development and reflective practices specific to the Reggio Emilia approach

• Be available to travel locally and out of state to continue to build knowledge around the Reggio Emilia approach.

Documentation and Assessment:

• Working with the Director and Advisory Team, develop a documentation plan to highlight children's authentic self and work and inform future planning.

• Lead the collection and analysis of documentation to gain a deeper understanding of children's learning and to inform instructional practices.

• Ensure that children's work is valued, and their learning is made visible to all stakeholders.

Compliance and Safety:

• Ensure the center's compliance with all relevant regulations and maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all children including State of Michigan Child Care Licensing standards as well as the Great Start to Quality Improvement process.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• An associate's degree in early childhood education with the completion of a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field within three (3) years of hire. (If you have an associate's and are working toward the bachelor's, please mark "Yes" when asked if you have "at LEAST a bachelor's degree..." during the application process.)

• A strong understanding of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and a commitment to its principles or a willingness to attend Reggio Emilia training and professional development.

• Leadership and classroom management experience

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• A passion for fostering holistic child development, inquiry-driven learning, and inclusivity.

• A strong understanding of Michigan Child Care Licensing requirements.

Additional Information:

DIVERSITY IN HIRING STATEMENT

North Central Michigan College is committed to broaden diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on campus through initiatives, programs and outreach; student recruitment, retention and completion; and in employment and hiring practices. Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Complete applications will be considered first and will include:

• Work history

• Education information

• 3+ professional references

Please upload a resume, cover letter, and copies of all higher ed transcripts.

Spaces will also be provided for additional documentation, if applicable, such as licenses or certifications.