2nd Shift Year-Round Infant/Toddler 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!

ODC Network is preparing to open Gentex Discovery Preschool early Fall 2025! We are currently hiring for an Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher to work 1:30pm-9:30pm Monday-Friday. Interviews will begin taking place as soon as possible but the start date for this position will be in the fall of 2025.

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. In addition, Lead Teachers in 4-year old classrooms must meet all Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) requirements.

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

Primary Responsibilities: 

• 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 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.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• 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

Education/Experience:

• 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 CDA or Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a Child Related Field required

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

Equipment Operated:  Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and the operation of general office equipment.

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 complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Kaylee Mesbergen, Director of People & Culture, at [email protected].