ASSISTANT TEACHER

Matrix Human Services; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Human Services in Detroit seeks an Assistant Teacher to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment for preschool children. With guidance from the Teacher, you will help plan classroom activities, monitor play, and support parents in achieving developmental goals.

The role emphasizes faith in families as first teachers, supports English language development, and requires flexibility, strong communication, and a willingness to cover where needed.

Qualifications

• CDA credential or state certificate is required
• Enrolled in a program leading to an associate or bachelor's degree
• CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire
• One year of experience working with children and families preferred
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Proficient with basic office software (Microsoft Office)

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, developmentally focused learning environment
• Supervise children and respond to emergencies
• Support classrooms with planning and activities
• Foster English language development and social skills
• Assist with parent conferences and home visits
• Follow program schedules and transitions between activities
• Assist with diapering, feeding, and self-help skills
• Maintain documentation and observation notes

Skills

Emotional maturity

Flexibility

Patience

Microsoft Office

Reliable transportation

Team collaboration

Cultural sensitivity

Education

CDA credential or state certificate

Progress toward associate/bachelor degree

CDA credential program within two years

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Matrix Human Services is Educating Children, Supporting Families and Rebuilding Neighborhoods in Detroit.
THE IMPACT YOU WILL BE A PART OF WITH JOINING MATRIX

• Over 30 program locations throughout Detroit and surrounding areas
• 20,000+ individuals benefiting from Matrix services every year
• The largest Head Start Program in the city of Detroit
• The largest HIV treatment and prevention program in Detroit
• After school youth services and academic enrichment
• Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Programs
• Housing Education and Home Buying Assistance
• Healthy Senior Living Program

FOCUS ON PERSONAL AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. Tuition Assistance. Professional Development Support. In-House Learning and Professional Development Platform.
WE EMBRACE WORK LIFE BALANCE. Vacation Banks. Paid Holidays.
BENEFITS OPTIONS. Medical/Rx. Dental. Vision. Life/AD&D Insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts. Combine Short- & Long-Term Disability. Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 403(b) Retirement Account.
CEO Starr Allen-Pettway has been honored by the Michigan Chronicle as a distinguished nonprofit leader in Southeast Michigan.
CORE VALUES:

• Positive Attitude
• Always Learning
• Results Through Accountability
• Building Relationships

JOB SUMMARY/ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for providing a safe, nurturing learning environment for children and their parents. With support from the Teacher, the Assistant Teacher helps plan and participates in classroom, playground, and field trip activities. These activities are designed to foster or enhance all areas of a child's development.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and maintain a clean safe, healthy, and developmentally focused learning environment
• Supervise and monitor children at all times and respond appropriately to crisis or emergency situations as they occur
• Implement active supervision health and safety practices that ensure children are kept safe at all times set by grantee
• Establish a positive classroom climate
• Guide the behavior of children in positive, effective ways
• Follow a consistent schedule which includes small and large group experiences, work time, music and movement, large and small motor activities, skill development, meals and effective transitions between activities
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making; ask open-ended questions and follow-up questions to promote further thinking skills
• Use outdoor time as an extension of the classroom; assure the playground is safe.
• Promote English language acquisition of children who are English and dual language learners
• Release children only to individuals with appropriate signed consent
• Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices
• Assist with the sanitation of classroom equipment/toys and daily classroom health and safety checklist
• Support the role of the families as the first and primary teacher of their child
• Conduct the required parent-teacher conferences and home visits for the purpose of assessment and support, and to share information on classroom and educational strategies at school and at home
• Adapt lesson plans to meet the individual goals for children as identified in their individual learning plan (ILP), individualized education plan (IEP) and Individualized family service plan (IFSP)
• Monitor for and report child abuse
• Assist with inventory of equipment and supplies
• Cooperate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children
• Ensure all developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment
• Use appropriate observation and ongoing assessment, and tracking to ensure positive child outcomes
• Maintain ongoing anecdotal notes to monitor children’s individual development
• Input COR notes into data base system within timeline set by the programMaintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information
• Complete required documentation of relevant activities and submit records and reports in a timely and accurate manner
• Stay abreast of current issues and trends by participation in grantee-sponsored training. center pre-service and in-service trainings, and other continuing education, career and professional development opportunities; read and review regulations and other resources
• Provide for the physical needs of preschoolers, including diapering and potty training
• Must be willing to “fill in” where needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential
• Enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, are enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire
• One-year experience working with children and families preferred
• Personal qualifications: Emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with the aims of the program, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health which does not interfere with responsibilities
• Knowledge and experience with the basic principles of child development
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations
• Effective in an environment of cultural diversity; comfortable in a collaborative, team-based work setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Reliable transportation is required
• Follow chain of command for all conflict situations

WORKING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Possible exposure to blood and bodily fluids or tissues; Possible exposure to communicable diseases; Job may require lifting up to 45 pounds, sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and bending for periods of time.

CONTINUOUS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT AND ETHICAL CONDUCT:

• All staff will use data to help achieve program goals; apply techniques and strategies that promote a culture of learning; identify and address gaps that continuously improve our programs.
• All personnel of Matrix must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics and incorporate Continuous Quality Improvement efforts into their everyday performance.
• All Head Start employees must adhere to the federal regulations and requirements for Head Start operations including the Program Performance Standards, licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct
• Demonstrate and actively promote an understanding and commitment to the mission and values of Matrix Human Services.