Job Description

Lakeland Creative Beginnings Associate Teacher GSRP Program

Our Vision:

To cultivate a community where every child thrives through joyful discovery, active learning, and nurturing relationships, laying a strong foundation for lifelong success.

About Us:

We are a dedicated and passionate team committed to providing exceptional early learning experiences for young children. We are a proud partner of GSRP and are invested in school readiness. We embrace a play based, child-centered approach supported by the High Scope curriculum and the Second Step social-emotional program.

Position Summary:

As an Assistant Teacher, you will play a vital role in creating a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young children. You will work collaboratively with the Classroom Lead and other team members to support the implementation of our High Scope curriculum and Second Steps curriculum. Promoting children's development across all domains, and ensuring a safe and healthy classroom.

Compensation:

Starting Pay $16.50 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Monday - Friday, 37-40 hours per week

Anticipated Hours per Week: M, W, TH, F: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, T: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Job Responsibilities:

Supporting Children's Development:

- Actively engage with children in individual and small group activities, fostering their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.

- Observe children's interests and developmental levels to help implement developmentally appropriate activities aligned with the High Scope curriculum.

- Provide consistent and positive guidance to children, promoting self-regulation and problem-solving skills.

- Assist children with their daily routines, including transitions, toileting, handwashing, and meal times, in a patient and supportive manner.

- Help create a stimulating and organized classroom environment that encourages exploration and learning.

- Support children with diverse needs and learning styles, following guidance from the Classroom Lead, Curriculum Director, and Program Director.

- Document observations and take anecdotal notes of children's progress and enter data into COR once Rater Reliable.

- Use observations to create lesson plans including individual instructions, goals, and objectives.

- Support Lead Teacher with Ages and Stages Assessments.

- Participate in all training, field trips, parent orientation, open house, staff meetings, and conferences.

Implementing Best Practices:

- Assist in the implementation of the High Scope curriculum, including planning and setting up materials for active learning experiences.

- Support the use of High Scope's Plan-Do-Review sequence to encourage child-initiated learning and reflection.

- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment that adheres to all licensing regulations and program policies by sharing in all cleaning tasks and other classroom duties.

- Follow best practices in early childhood education, including positive behavior management techniques and developmentally appropriate interactions.

- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge of early childhood education and the High Scope approach.

Collaborating with Colleagues:

- Work positively and cooperatively with the Classroom Lead and other team members to create a cohesive and supportive classroom environment.

- Communicate effectively and respectfully with colleagues regarding children's progress, classroom needs, and any concerns.

- Contribute to team planning meetings and share ideas and resources.

- Be flexible and willing to assist in other classroom or program areas as needed.

Accountability:

- Follow the direction and guidance of the Classroom Lead, Curriculum Director, and Program Director.

- Maintain confidentiality regarding children and families.

Qualifications:

- Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, valid Michigan Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) (strongly preferred)

- High School Diploma with willingness to timely attain the above credentials (required minimum)

- Familiarity with the High Scope curriculum (preferred)

- Knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.

- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with children, families, and colleagues.

- Patience, empathy, and a genuine love for working with young children.

- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

- Must meet and follow all state licensing requirements for childcare staff in Michigan, including background checks and health assessments.

- CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to timely attain)

Job Type: Full-time

Base Pay: From $16.50 per hour

Benefits:

Paid time off Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person