Family Garden and Engagement Program Facilitator

General Description / Primary Purpose

The Family Garden and Engagement Program (FGEP) is a supplemental hands-on curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with a strong family engagement component designed to increase children's language and literacy skills. Key components include Professional Learning for teachers (PL Boosts), Family Gathering get-togethers, Talk-Time Practices, Exploration Baskets, Indoor and Outdoor Garden Lessons, and the Garden Bed.

This is a 1-year visiting position with the potential for renewal.

Position Schedule: 10 months, 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday (must be available for some night and weekend hours).

Job Functions 

·         Travel to centers (providing own transportation) weekly to work with garden and family liaisons

·         Use the FGEP Facilitator Guide to:

plan and co-present with FIE Researchers at the Super Saturday trainings 3 times a year

plan and host six virtual professional learning sessions a year for each center

plan and host three face-to-face family gatherings and three virtual family gatherings for each center with the Family Liaison (some of these are held during the evening)

act as a resource for the Garden Liaisons as they support teachers and provide follow-up care for the gardens

work with our community partner, Standard Feed and Seed 

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·         Work outside during site lessons in the garden bed and visit teachers in classrooms at partner centers to support fidelity of implementation

·         Meet with FIE Researchers on a regular schedule

·         Help problem-solve implementation challenges with FIE Researchers

·         Sign and adhere to the FIE Confidentiality Agreement

Supervision Exercised: No

Required Licensure: N/A

Required Qualifications: A master's degree from an acceptable accredited institution in the field of instruction or closely related discipline at time of hire.

Department Requirements

·         Experience working with families and/or young children in formal settings

·         Effective oral and written communication skills

·         Experience working in a garden (e.g., a home garden, volunteering or working in a community garden program)

·         Experience in child development or education preferred

·         Experience in planning and implementing professional development with adults

·         CLASS certification in infant, toddler, Prek – 3rd grade

·         Ability to establish positive relationships and work collaboratively with diverse populations

·         Willingness to expand knowledge and embrace new ideas ·     

·         Ability to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to adapt as they implement a plan of action

Anticipated Start Date: The position is expected to begin on August 4, 2025.

Additional Application Materials Required:

Applicants should provide the following required documents:

·        Current resume/curriculum vitae

·        Cover letter

·        Name, current phone number, and email address of three professional references.

Due to direct contact with minor children at FIE-partner early learning centers, a successful Position of Trust/Level 2 background screening with fingerprinting is required.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials by the date of hire.

How to Apply: Applicants must submit an online application that includes all required application documents. If you have any questions about this position, please contact Dr. Emily Montford at 904-620-2496 and/or emily.monford@unf.edu

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.