Site Director

Overview: The ODC Network is a nonprofit organization focused on outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. ODC Early Childhood Network operates a number of nature-based preschools and childcare facilities in Allegan and Ottawa County. ODC Early Childhood Network provides early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 0-5, building social emotional and academic skills within a unique natural environment with an emphasis on nature based inquiry and outdoor exploration.

The Site Director at Little Hawks Discovery Preschool will oversee a total of 5 classrooms, including one satellite classroom located approximately 5 miles from Little Hawks. Four of the classrooms operate on a school-year schedule and serve children ages 3 and 4. The fifth is an infant/toddler classroom that operates year-round.

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:

The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.

Primary Responsibilities: The core role of the Site Director is to ensure that ODC Network’s Discovery Preschools are delivering a high quality early childhood education in their preschool and childcare classrooms. The Site Director will train, observe, coach, supervise, and evaluate teachers and office staff of our nature-based early childhood education program. The Site Director may be required to occasionally teach as part of their support of classroom teachers and students.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Member of the Early Childhood Leadership Team


• Develops and maintains relationships with staff, families and children


• Treats all people fairly and with dignity and respect. 


• Maintains the confidentiality of students, families and staff.


• Communicates with parents on a regular basis, including navigating sensitive and difficult situations that arise as caregivers of young children


• Routinely responds to unforeseen situations outside of normal business hours


• Maintains educational and training requirements for preschool licensing and quality program assessments.  


• Organize and maintain preschool licensing requirements


• Develops relationships within the community


• Understands and values nature based education in early childhood


• Passionately believes in and is able to communicate all aspects of the ODC Network’s nature based approach to teaching and learning


• Coordinates hiring, onboarding and training plans for teaching staff


• Conducts classroom observations to regularly support and ensure quality nature based curriculum implementation and delivery


• Provides check-ins, evaluations and coaching to designated staff


• Supports and supervises staff and provides feedback for growth and development


• Schedules substitute teachers as needed


• Oversees PELI and TS GOLD data and implementation


• Attends and participates in GSRP administration meetings


• Collaborative curriculum development and implementation


• Assists with parent education classes, teacher training, and other preschool activities; this includes occasional evening commitments


• Leads staff meetings, plans staff professional development events, and participates in other ODC Network events


• Participates with other staff members in developing collaborations with other preschools and childcare facilities, including nature-based preschools, as well as engaging with other community and professional organizations


• Creates a culturally responsive climate that values, accepts, and understands diversity in culture and point of view. 


• Although not a primary responsibility, this position may occasionally require teaching children and leading a class 


• Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Early Childhood Education or the Early Childhood Leadership Team

Supervision/Evaluation: 

Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Chief of Early Childhood Education. The Site Director will be responsible for supervising and evaluating a team of approximately 20 people.

Education/Experience: 

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an emphasis in early childhood education (ZS endorsement, Master’s in Early Childhood, or similar degree). Must have experience working with teachers, parents and caregivers and be well versed in early childhood teaching and learning. Applicants will have a strong appreciation for the nature-based learning model. 

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• Demonstrated interest in young children and early childhood education. 


• Highly effective organizational, time management, and multitasking skills


• Interest 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. 


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


• Demonstrated ability to work in a team. 


• Must pass Michigan child care background check, including fingerprinting, and have a valid driver’s license and be fully insurable by the ODC Network


• Current certification in First Aid/CPR desired; training will be provided if needed.


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

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].