Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) is seeking a faculty member who possesses an interest in working with diverse student populations from a wide range of age, ethnicity, national origin and ability. The successful candidate will engage in and develop innovative teaching strategies; effectively assess student learning outcomes demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development; and provide service to our students, the college, and our community at large.

Faculty members are responsible to GRCC and to each other for the successful completion of departmental work, as well as work associated with the School of Liberal Arts and GRCC as a whole. In addition to the major position responsibilities, it is expected that faculty demonstrate outstanding communications skills, collaborate effectively, use personal initiative to overcome obstacles and work efficiently to meet deadlines. In an environment where innovation is valued, each faculty member will take responsibility to perform their work in a manner consistent with both the letter and the spirit of GRCC values.

This is a unique position that serves a dual role as a faculty member in a lab setting mentoring college students while maintaining the responsibilities as a lead teacher in an early childhood classroom.

GRCC is only accepting online applications for this position at https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter resume, and unofficial transcripts for full consideration.

Early Childhood Classroom Responsibilities:

-Plan and implement a curriculum that enhances the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of each child. Lesson plans must meet accreditation, Total Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (Great Start to Quality) standards, as well as incorporate learning objectives and meet any current funding criteria

-Responsible for knowing and implementing required procedures of grant programs. Conduct follow-up conferences and or home visits with families and teachers, and maintain correspondence

-Maintain licensing, accreditation, Total Quality Rating and Improvement System (Great Start to Quality), and grant initiatives as required for individual classrooms

-Assess children’s development utilizing HighScope’s Child Observation Record (COR) Advantage assessment tool; providing data input and completing assigned checkpoints. Use data collected for lesson planning and room organization

-Compose, display and maintain informative classroom documentation, including newsletters, family boards, and required classroom paperwork as required to meet National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Total Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS) standards

-Ability to work under pressure while possessing mature judgment and flexibility in regards to staffing interruptions and assisting other classrooms as needed

-Establish supportive relationships with families, maintaining daily communication and collaborating to promote the well-being of each child and their classroom success

-Work collaboratively with classroom staff to organize, coordinate, implement and attend family and/or staff engagements events

-An awareness of appropriate child care food program practices and ability to implement these in the classroom

-Maintain annual membership and up-to-date profile information in the MiRegistry system

Faculty Member/ Lab Instructor Responsibilities
-Supervise, coach and guide interns throughout the semester

-Coordinate, supervise, evaluate and debrief college students individually on their weekly planned activities in the classroom throughout the day

-Work cooperatively with all members of the Education Program to meet the goals

-Attend instructor meetings as scheduled

-Meet the annual requirements for Faculty Performance Evaluation as outlined in the faculty agreement

-Ability to work under pressure with frequent interruptions while also accommodating GRCC student needs

-Must use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner

-Lead classroom staff in weekly classroom team meetings, providing input and responses to evaluate classroom curriculum activities in coordination with course lab expectations

-A commitment to serve the Kent County community and hosting those visiting the ECLL.

-Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customer functions of this position.

-Perform other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family and Child Studies or related field required. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree will be considered with the understanding that a Master’s degree must be achieved within four years of hire, based on tenure expectations.

Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, Family and Child Studies, or related field preferred.

About GRCC Early Childhood Learning Laboratory

The Grand Rapids Community College Phyllis Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory (ECLL) is a learning environment for college students enrolled in the Education program curriculum. These students engage in activities with the children under the supervision of highly qualified teachers in a model early childhood program.

Connections working at GRCC Early Childhood Learning Laboratory