Site Director - Little Hawks Discovery Preschool

Title: Preschool Site Director – Little Hawks Discovery Preschool
Reports to: CEO
Status: Full Time, Salary + Benefits
Salary Range:  $70,000 – $85,000 depending upon experience

Overview: The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. The ODC Preschools are nature-based preschools operated by the ODC Network in Allegan and Ottawa Counties. ODC Preschools provide early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 3-5, building social, emotional, and academic skills within a unique natural environment emphasizing nature-based inquiry and outdoor exploration.

Summary of Position: The Preschool Site Director will ensure that Little Hawks Discovery Preschool delivers high-quality early childhood education in an indoor and outdoor classroom setting. The Site Director collaborates with their team to develop and maintain the ODC Preschools’ program goals, vision, and philosophy. As primary leader, the Site Director will train, observe, coach, supervise, and evaluate teachers and office staff to advance the strategic goals of ODC Preschools’ nature-based early childhood program. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Nature-based Education
  • Willingness to spend significant time outdoors each day in all types of weather. 
  • Understand and value nature-based education and its importance to early childhood development.
  • Guide the ODC Preschool location in day-to-day operations and orchestrate a dynamic and collaborative community learning environment. 
  • Regularly conducts classroom observations to ensure quality nature-based curriculum implementation and delivery.  
  • On occasion, may be required to teach as part of support to classroom teachers and students. 

• Administrative
  • Serve as the primary manager and lead the day-to-day operations of the Preschool.
  • Organize and maintain preschool licensing requirements, including Great Start to Quality rating requirements, training, professional development, and reporting. 
  • Serve on the ODC Preschools’ Early Childhood Leadership Team, and represent ODC Preschools at various meetings. 
  • Maintain confidentiality of all students, families, and staff. 
  • Coordinate hiring, onboarding, and training plans for new staff. 
  • Support and supervise staff, providing evaluations and coaching feedback for growth and development. 
  • Schedule substitute teachers as needed. 
  • Lead staff meetings and staff professional development events. 
  • Support and engage with all divisions of the ODC Network
  • Other duties as assigned by the CEO or Early Childhood Leadership Team.

• Communication
  • Regularly communicate with parents/guardians.
  • Assist with parent education classes and other preschool activities; this includes occasional evening commitments. 
  • Navigate and mediate sensitive and/or difficult situations that may arise as caregivers of young children. 
  • Available to respond to unforeseen situations outside of regular business hours 
  • Share all aspects of ODC Network’s nature-based approach to learning and teaching with community connections and relationships.

     

Education/Experience: 

Must Have: 

• Bachelor’s in early childhood education, child development, or related field.
• Significant experience in early childhood education. 
• Experience working with teachers, parents, and caregivers.
• An in-depth understanding of childhood teaching and learning.
• An appreciation for the nature-based learning model. 
• Pass Michigan childcare background check, including fingerprinting.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Ability to be fully insurable by the ODC Network.

Nice to Have:

• Master’s in early childhood education or child development. 
• Experience in nature-based education or environmental sciences. 
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR; if not, training will be provided. 
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate with ZA/ZS endorsement.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply.

   

Physical 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 occasionally requires lifting up to 50 pounds and walking, standing, and sitting for extended periods.

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 Diversity Policy Statement: The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Read our diversity statement.