Early Learning Coach - Part-time

Grand Rapids Community College; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 18,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness Program

Onsite gym membership

Job summary

Grand Rapids Community College seeks an Early Learning Coach to positively impact learning and development in young children, guiding caregivers with literacy activities, and linking families to community resources. You will plan Play and Learn services, recruit families, and collect data to support program goals.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Education or related field, with 3+ years working with Birth to 8 years, and a track record of collaboration with diverse families.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related degree with Early Childhood coursework and experience required. Master's degree preferred.
• Three years’ experience in working with young children Birth to 8 years required
• Experience building shared partnerships with families
• Experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds

Responsibilities

• Complete the work of the Play and Learn GRCC program efficiently and effectively; flexibility to provide services in multiple formats-face to face playgroups as well as through alternate models
• Participate in community promotional activities for recruitment; connecting families from the neighborhoods to the Play and Learn Group including outreach to childcare providers and Family, Friends and Neighbor Providers.
• Work collaboratively with the other Early Learning Coaches to develop materials for providing caregivers with developmental information and activities that support children's development
• Planning and guiding intentional caregiver learning as well as planning developmentally and culturally appropriate activities for children
• Maintain positive relationships with all community partners
• Implement Play and Learn activities and services; interact with caregivers to share developmental information and activities
• Maintain records and documentation as required by the program; including attendance records, documentation of caregiver learning topics, zip code records, and family/caregiver feedback
• Develop retention strategies that encourage ongoing participation of families and caregivers
• Have ASQ available as a resource to families, encourage use and support families in accessing additional resources as needed
• Work with GRCC to provide all aspects of program evaluation
• Assure that feedback data is collected and recorded according to approved procedures
• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings
• Follow designated procedures for ordering materials and supplies necessary for implementing the program
• Reflect regularly on all aspects of the Play and Learn GRCC program and make suggestions for improvement
• Promote teamwork and good communication among all Play and Learn GRCC staff and all personnel from partner agencies
• Conduct community outreach and establish relationships with partner agencies-schools, churches, and community-based organizations
• Support the mission, vision, values and key strategies of GRCC
• Participate in goal setting and evaluation requirements as staff of GRCC
• Other job duties and responsibilities as assigned by GRCC
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position
• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA)

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Tech literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education or Early Childhood Education

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Gmail

Canvas

Job description

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The role of the Early Learning Coach is to positively impact the learning, development and social skills of young children, improve interactions of caregivers with young children, increase the number of literacy activities offered by caregivers, increase access to community resources for caregivers and children, increase identification of children with developmental delays and referrals for services, and build relationships between children & families and their neighborhood school prior to kindergarten entry. The Early Learning Coach is responsible for planning and implementing the Play and Learn services; they will develop literacy-based curriculum that supports families and caregivers in learning about child development, early language and literacy strategies, and positive discipline that supports children in being ready for kindergarten. Coaches are responsible for all aspects of the Play and Learn Services including recruitment, planning, implementation, documentation and data collection.

Requisition ID: 1192
Employee Group: Contingency
Schedule: 16 hours/45 weeks
Compensation: $23.99/hour
Reports to: Play and Learn Coordinator
Posting Opens: 09/23/2026
Posting Closes: Open until filled

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Complete the work of the Play and Learn GRCC program efficiently and effectively; flexibility to provide services in multiple formats-face to face playgroups as well as through alternate models


• Participate in community promotional activities for recruitment; connecting families from the neighborhoods to the Play and Learn Group including outreach to childcare providers and Family, Friends and Neighbor Providers.


• Work collaboratively with the other Early Learning Coaches to develop materials for providing caregivers with developmental information and activities that support children's development


• Planning and guiding intentional caregiver learning as well as planning developmentally and culturally appropriate activities for children.


• Maintain positive relationships with all community partners


• Implement Play and Learn activities and services; interact with caregivers to share developmental information and activities.


• Maintain records and documentation as required by the program; including attendance records, documentation of caregiver learning topics, zip code records, and family/caregiver feedback.


• Develop retention strategies that encourage ongoing participation of families and caregivers.


• Have ASQ available as a resource to families, encourage use and support families in accessing additional resources as needed.


• Work with GRCC to provide all aspects of program evaluation.


• Assure that feedback data is collected and recorded according to approved procedures.


• Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings.


• Follow designated procedures for ordering materials and supplies necessary for implementing the program.


• Reflect regularly on all aspects of the Play and Learn GRCC program and make suggestions for improvement.


• Promote teamwork and good communication among all Play and Learn GRCC staff and all personnel from partner agencies.


• Conduct community outreach and establish relationships with partner agencies-schools, churches, and community-based organizations


• Support the mission, vision, values and key strategies of GRCC.


• Participate in goal setting and evaluation requirements as staff of GRCC.


• Other job duties and responsibilities as assigned by GRCC.


• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.


• Follow College policy on the Family Educational Right to Privacy Act (FERPA).

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development or related degree with Early Childhood coursework and experience required. Master's degree preferred.


• Three years’ experience in working with young children Birth to 8 years required


• Experience building shared partnerships with families


• Experience working with children and families with diverse backgrounds

Skills

• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.


• Proficiency in using technology and learning management systems (e.g.,Gmail, Canvas).

Physical Demands

• Must be able to bend and lift and/or move 25 pounds.


• Employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear.

Mental Demands

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team


• Must be proficient in verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills to work effectively with diverse populations.


• Ability to network, build collaborative partnerships within GRCC and the community.


• Ability to demonstrate strong time management and organization skills.


• Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner.


• Project a professional image including punctuality and good attendance record.


• Ability to perform job responsibilities with minimum supervision.


• Demonstrated responsiveness, initiative, and organizational and problem-solving abilities.


• Ability to perform routine and unexpected duties.


• Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to interruptions and schedule changes.


• Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a professional manner.

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on ourpolicies website .


• Must be able to work flexible hours (i.e. evenings and night) including occasional weekends.


• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that calls for flexibility/adaptability and the ability to handle multiple interruptions and make quick decisions.


• Ability to travel within the community to assigned work sites which may not be barrier free.


• Moderate level of noise at Play and Learn Groups.


• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor settings year round

BENEFITS

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an onsitegym membership .


• Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.


• Only applicants living in the state of Michigan can apply for GRCC careers.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.