Assistant Teacher (10-month, Full-Day)

The Guidance Center; Taylor (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Guidance Center is hiring an Assistant Teacher to support preschool activities within our Head Start program. You will help plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities, maintaining a safe, nurturing learning environment aligned with our mission.

Ideal candidates have an AA in Early Childhood Education or related field, CDA or equivalent credential, and are enrolled in further study within two years. Physical tasks and strong cultural sensitivity are required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and appropriate curriculum practices.
• Previous experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver age-appropriate early childhood activities.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing classroom environment.
• Assist with planned lessons and daily routines.
• Comply with Head Start standards and center policies.
• Assist with supervision and support during class sessions.

Skills

Early childhood development knowledge

Curriculum implementation

Preschool classroom experience

Education

AA in Early Childhood Education or related field

CDA or state certificate

Enroll in degree program within 2 years

Job description

Full-time 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.