The ODC is seeking a Before Care Teacher to help care for students before school at Dragonflies Discovery Preschool. This position will start immediately and will work from 7:15-9am Monday through Thursday.

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, fostering the development of social, emotional, and academic skills. ODC is looking for 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 Diversity Policy Statement:

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

Purpose: The Wrap Around Care Teacher will provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate nature-based extension to preschool experience for children ages 3-5 and work actively with ODC Network staff to ensure children have a strong connection to nature.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Examples of activities include: interacting with students in nature and the classroom setting, engaging students in learning activities, preparing snacks, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
• Develop and plan age-appropriate learning and enrichment activities for individual children and outdoor activities, based on nature-based curriculum and philosophy.
• Assist with organization of outdoor and indoor classrooms and learning resources.
• Actively participate in child-led play
• Learn and implement social emotional skill building through the Conscious Discipline System.
• Communicate when appropriate with families in person or via email, phone call, or Procare.
  
• In absence of Transportation Driver, occasionally transport students to and from school and assist with loading/unloading students and walking them to their classrooms
• Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and additional ODC Network events

Professional Responsibilities: Maintain educational and training requirements for
preschool licensing and quality program assessments.

Supervision/Evaluation: Supervision and evaluation will be provided by the Dragonflies Site Director. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated interest in helping to teach and develop young children and early childhood education.
• Interest in nature and being outdoors.
• Willingness to spend 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.
• Must pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting. Current certification in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR, training will be provided if needed.
• Bilingual English speakers are highly 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.

Equipment Operated: Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications, Google Suite, 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 kaylee@outdoordiscovery.org.