Coordinator of Early Learning Center Lab & Partnerships

Job Title Coordinator of Early Learning Center Lab & Partnerships
Department Education Posting Number req737 Description of Job Duties

Job Description

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as Coordinator of the Early Learning Center Lab & Partnerships. This position serves as the university liaison and early childhood specialist for the Great Plains YMCA Child Development Center partnership and the SWOSU Early Learning Center Lab.

The Coordinator provides leadership for high-quality early childhood programming, staff development, accreditation efforts, and continuous improvement initiatives while guiding the implementation of a multi-year strategic plan for the growth and expansion of the Early Learning Center. This position connects SWOSU educator preparation programs with authentic clinical and laboratory experiences while strengthening partnerships among the university, YMCA, families, and community stakeholders.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The Coordinator of Early Learning Center Lab & Partnerships will:

• Provide leadership for the SWOSU Early Learning Center Lab and YMCA partnership.
• Teach Early Childhood undergraduate and/or graduate coursework as assigned.
• Support field experiences, practicum placements, and clinical learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with faculty, YMCA leadership, and community partners to promote high-quality early childhood programming and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Lead accreditation, quality improvement, assessment, and regulatory compliance efforts.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development for staff, students, and teacher candidates.
• Coordinate strategic planning, facility development, classroom design, and program expansion initiatives.
• Support laboratory learning experiences that connect theory, practice, and research.
• Assist with reporting, grants, community outreach, workforce development, and partnership sustainability.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Terms of Employment

• Reports To: Director, Early Childhood Education & Chair, Department of Education

• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

• Employment Status: Full-Time Staff

• Work Calendar: Twelve-Month Position

• Work Location: Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), Great Plains YMCA Child Development Center, and related community partnership sites

About SWOSU

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is committed to preparing highly effective educators who positively impact children, families, schools, and communities. The Department of Education values collaboration, innovation, student-centered teaching, and continuous improvement while maintaining strong partnerships with schools, early childhood programs, and community organizations across Oklahoma.

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in early childhood teaching, leadership, or program administration.
• Expertise in child development, developmentally appropriate practices, and early childhood curriculum.
• Knowledge of NAEYC standards and early childhood quality improvement systems.
• Experience with coaching, staff development, and program improvement.
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to educator preparation, community engagement, and high-quality early learning experiences.
• Positive, optimistic, and solution-oriented approach to leadership and teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with NAEYC accreditation, QRIS systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of Reggio Emilia, inquiry-based learning, Conscious Discipline, nature-based learning, and trauma-informed practices.
• Experience with grant writing, program development, and community partnerships.
• Experience leading strategic planning, staff development, and quality improvement initiatives.

Desired Characteristics

The ideal candidate will be:

• A passionate advocate for young children, families, and early childhood education.
• A dynamic educator and relationship b