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: 35 hours/week

Compensation:            $30,000-$37,500 annual salary; 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 work closely with CLEO partners to provide direct support to families in Central Lake, both in community and school settings. This role focuses on empowering families to nurture the learning, development, and social-emotional growth of their young children. The Coordinator will serve as a trusted resource, strengthen connections among families and between families and CLEO partners, and assist parents and caregivers in preparing their children for a successful transition into school-based programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Family & Child Engagement

• Collaboratively plan and facilitate parent-child playgroups throughout the year as well as Tumble Times during the winter months, using the Strengthening Families Framework to ensure quality and consistency.


• Provide individualized support and consultation to caregivers and families to strengthen relationships and connect to resources.


• Offer staff support at all levels for CLEO partner activities and family-focused events.


• Facilitate other groups or activities as needs arise.

Community Outreach & Resource Coordination

• Act as a liaison and trusted resource for families, offering guidance and connection to available services and opportunities.


• Coordinate the monthly diaper distribution program.


• Participate in community outreach and promotional activities to connect with families and raise awareness of CLEO offerings.


• Develop and implement strategies to encourage ongoing family and caregiver participation.

Collaboration & Program Support

• Work closely with Central Lake Public Schools Early Childhood programs to implement the Communities in Schools Model.


• Collaborate with CLEO partner organizations and staff to align services and share resources.


• Support CLEO partners in planning and executing community events, including the annual Baby Shower and Community Picnic.


• Promote teamwork and effective communication among Communities In Schools (CIS) staff and CLEO partners.

Administrative & Professional Development

• Maintain accurate records, including attendance and data management requirements.


• Participate in program evaluation and reporting activities and regularly scheduled team meetings.


• Attend professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.


• Follow procedures for ordering materials and supplies needed for program implementation.


• Support the mission, vision, and values of CLEO and CIS.


• Perform other duties 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.

The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in the early childhood realm, 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, family studies, social work, 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 colleagues and families, 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. This position requires schedule flexibility, as some programs and events take place in the evening or on weekends.

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.