Assistant Teacher (10-month, Full-Day)

The Guidance Center; Lincoln Park (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible scheduling

Team-oriented environment

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Guidance Center in Lincoln Park, MI is seeking an Assistant Teacher to support preschool children through the Preschool HighScope curriculum. The role focuses on safe, nurturing learning environments and developmentally appropriate activities.

Candidates should have an AA in ECE or CDA and be enrolled in a program toward an associate or bachelor’s degree; ability to lift up to 60 pounds; willingness to pass background checks; commitment to cultural competency.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum practices and experience with preschool children.
• Nonjudgmental approach reflecting cultural competency and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness to pass physical examination and background checks.
• Must be able to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and bend/squat to child level.
• Ability to handle crisis situations as needed.
• Follows Head Start Performance Standards and agency policies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing early childhood activities based on the Preschool HighScope curriculum.
• Maintain a clean, nurturing and safe environment for preschool children.
• Ensure daily activities reflect the program's mission and goals.
• Adhere to Head Start standards and organizational policies.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and respect for diverse communities.

Skills

Early childhood development

Classroom management

Cultural competency

Education

AA in Early Childhood Education

Preschool CDA Certificate

Enrollment in related program to complete degree

Job description

Description

As a recognized leader in our field, The Guidance Center provides a broad range of services that have helped children, adults and families unlock potential and build better lives since 1958. With 25 programs we offer treatment, prevention, growth and education services to more than 14,200 people annually. Together we: Nurture development. Foster resilience. Cultivate well-being.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Teacher to join our team of talented professionals.

As an Assistant Teacher, you will be responsible for ensuring that daily activities and interactions reflect the mission and goals of the program. Assist with the planning and the implementation of appropriate early childhood activities for children based on the principles of the Preschool HighScope curriculum. Provide and maintain a clean, nurturing and safe environment that supports and encourages the growth and development of preschool children. Adhere to and maintain compliance with all The Guidance Center, Office of Head Start Performance Standards and any other local, state and/or agency policies and procedures. Demonstrate cultural competency and sensitivity and respect to the diverse backgrounds, needs and experiences of children, families, community volunteers and TGC employees. Must pass physical examination and background checks before hire.

The Guidance Center believes that our team members are our most valuable resources, and we invest in them accordingly. We offer our employees a competitive salary, flexible scheduling opportunities, a team-oriented work environment and much more!

Requirements

An Associate Degree (AA) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, an Associate Degree in a related field, with 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education, a Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or a state awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential and 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. Knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and the ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum practices and previous experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting.

Additionally you must be able to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted in order to assist children during emergencies. Additional requirements include a nonjudgmental approach that reflects cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of our students, families, business partners and of the people in the programs represented by The Guidance Center. Must have the ability to appropriately handle crisis situations. Employee must be able to stand consecutively for 3-1/2 hours per part-day class session and 5 hours per full-day class session. Employee must be able to ambulate between sitting on the floor and standing and chair sitting to standing a minimum of 20 times per session. Employee must be able to bend and stoop to child level and lift for urgent and emergency situations. Employee must be able to bend and stoop to address child concerns a minimum of 12 times per hour on average (ex: tying shoes for child safety). Employee must be able to sit on the floor or on a child size chair for up to 60 minute duration multiple times during class session.