SUMMARY

The Early Education Coordinator will work as part of the Outreach team to develop, teach, and lead the team in delivering early childhood programs, focused on prenatal through preschool.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Facilitate programs throughout Porter County utilizing the Duneland Healthy Living Campus in coordination with partners as a part of the Dunes Learning Center Outreach team.
• Develop nature-based early education programs with assistance from the Outreach Education Manager and Director.
• Organize and facilitate staff training with assistance from the Outreach Education Manager and Director to ensure staff are prepared for programs.
• Schedule programs in coordination with the Outreach Education Manager and Director.
• Communicate with schools, learning centers, and other organizations regarding their programs.
• Develop and organize events for families with children under 3 years of age in Nat’s Nature Club (DLC’s family club).
• Maintain a positive mental attitude and serve as a role model for responsible environmental behavior and literacy.
• Assist in data collection and track outcomes for grant reporting.
• Lead in the maintenance, inventory, and data entry of all program supplies, equipment, facilities.
• Ensure safety and well-being of staff and program participants using sound judgment and applying appropriate decisions by following safety protocol and reporting incidents, near misses or possible hazards at all times.
• Attend program staff trainings and professional development as needed.
• Actively participate to support organizational fundraising efforts.
• Comply with all Dunes Learning Center policies and represent DLC in a professional manner at all times.
• Perform all assigned duties critical to the operation of the Dunes Learning Center.
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To qualify for the Early Education Coordinator position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. Dunes Learning Center aims to make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. All Dunes Learning Center employees must submit to a criminal background check and possible drug screening.

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in similar position, with an emphasis on early childhood education
• Experience with environmental education and/or interpretation
• Partnership building and supervisory experience
• Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with scheduling
• Proficient in Google applications
• Commitment to equity and inclusion
• A willingness to be coached and to receive feedback
• Ability to work well both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to adapt and revise quickly
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for reliable transportation for local travel

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of the local ecology of the Calumet Region
• Connections to the local early education community
• Marketing and development knowledge and skills
• Understanding of grant reporting
• Design and drawing skills
• Ability to speak Spanish
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Certified to facilitate environmental education curricula (e.g. Growing Up Wild, Project Wet)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Early Education Coordinator is required to regularly stand for long periods of time. The Coordinator must be able to verbally communicate and have visual abilities that allow them to deliver programs safely.