Associate Teacher - SCC

Saginaw Intermediate School District; Saginaw (MI); On-site; USD 23,694 - 27,221; Full time

Job summary

Saginaw Intermediate School District in Saginaw, Michigan, is seeking an Associate Teacher for the Head Start program. This role includes assisting the teacher, fostering family involvement, and ensuring compliance with Head Start standards. Candidates must have experience with preschool children and a CDA credential, with a preference for those holding an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Responsibilities include creating positive learning environments, participating in professional development, and ensuring child safety. Pay ranges from $17.20 to $19.76 per hour, based on credentials.

Qualifications

• Experience working with preschool children.
• Maintain CDA credential and work toward an Associate's degree.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and childcare regulations.

Responsibilities

• Assist Teacher in daily operations of the Head Start classroom.
• Implement the Head Start Performance Standards.
• Establish a safe and stimulating learning environment.

Skills

Child development knowledge

Active supervision

First Aid and CPR

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Associate Teacher - SCC

Associate Teacher – SCC

GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

This position works as part of a teaching team to assist the Teacher in the preparation, planning, and execution of the daily operations of the Head Start classroom, including building relationships with families, taking on the Teacher role during planning and absences, and implementing the Head Start Performance Standards. The Associate Teacher works with families to promote parent involvement. Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs and areas of expertise. The position may be reassigned to various classrooms or centers as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION

The duties of the position are described in the major functional areas listed below. Additional duties may be assigned.

Professional Development

• Attends all required training and workshops, including online training and cluster meetings, as required by Head Start and Michigan State Licensing.
• Maintains Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) and works toward obtaining an Associate’s degree.
• Remains up-to-date on information that pertains to the needs of the children in the program, including Head Start Performance Standards, childcare licensing regulations, and other applicable regulations and practices.
• Keeps up to date on Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
• Maintains knowledge of the regulations associated with occupational disease and injury prevention.
• Can work with children at all levels of development.
• Maintains professional certification that the employee was hired with or obtains to meet Head Start and ISD standards.
• Successfully completes and maintains basic First Aid, CPR certification, and required licensing training.
• Actively participates in opportunities for continuous professional development.

Preschool Program Implementation

• Assists in all aspects of the classroom and other service areas of the program.
• Participates in recruitment activities and transportation services.
• Assumes the role of Teacher when required, implementing all aspects of the program.
• Assists with Head Start services as defined by Head Start Performance Standards and Saginaw ISD Head Start Operational Procedures.
• Establishes a safe, healthy, stimulating, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for children aged birth to five years, including all abilities.
• Ensures learning environments are safe from hazards using the Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
• Fosters self‑esteem, self‑direction, self‑control, and school readiness skills with preschool children by using positive methods and modeling, and participating in curriculum development and implementation.
• Supports social and emotional development and provides positive guidance and discipline, including support for children with challenging behaviors using developmentally appropriate practices.
• Complies with program curriculum, curriculum overlays, supplemental curriculum, State of Michigan licensing for child care centers, and Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Assists in screening, observing, and assessing children’s development, analyzing data, and making plans or referrals specific to each child’s needs.
• Assists with collecting monthly in‑kind records from parents and community members.
• Assists with kitchen duties as needed, e.g., warming food, dishing food into bowls, taking food temperatures, and cleaning refrigerator and warmer.
• Assists with bus aide duties as needed, e.g., riding the bus, completing bus paperwork, and buckling children in seats.
• May be asked to cover other classrooms to meet licensing ratios.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of the purpose of the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA, and other legal requirements.
• Uses Active Supervision strategies to keep children safe.
• Can work with children at all levels of development and relate sensitively with them.
• Knows basic food preparation, serving, and sanitation procedures.
• Can follow directions and take initiative.
• General knowledge and skills in early childhood development.
• General computer knowledge of Word and Excel, and ability to access e‑mail and Teaching Strategies Gold.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations regarding child abuse, neglect reporting, and child care licensing.
• Enhances the parent‑child relationship and supports parents’ role as lifelong educators, engaging in respectful partnerships with families.
• Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.
• Actively coordinates family service activities as part of a comprehensive services team.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Noise levels may be moderate to loud.
• Travel by car, bus, airplane, or train may be required, including overnight travel.
• Work typically performed in a classroom with some office work.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required for events such as home visits, parent/teacher conferences, and community events.
• Riding the bus may be required.

This position works in a preschool classroom with child‑sized furniture and seating. Duties include sitting in child‑sized chairs and on the floor; bending, stretching, standing, walking, stair climbing; kneeling, crouching, reaching; fine and gross motor skills; hand‑eye coordination; visual and auditory memory; reading and writing; judgment; decision making; and lifting up to 75 pounds. The position is covered by OSHA final rule Bloodborne Pathogens Act, Category A, with potential exposure to communicable diseases and pests. The position is a mandated reporter of child abuse/neglect and requires a Department of Human Services clearance.

Personal Qualifications

Personal qualifications include emotional maturity, willingness to cooperate with program aims, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that does not interfere with responsibilities. Experience collaborating with parents in the education of their children is also desired.

Education and Experience

Experience working with preschool children and a CDA credential. An Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development with two years’ experience is preferred. Bilingual (English/Spanish) abilities are a plus. Must obtain Basic First Aid and CPR certification, and maintain certification and licensing required training. Acceptable tuberculosis and drug screening results, a clear criminal records check, and an initial health exam are required after the job offer and prior to employment. Current and former Head Start employees, students, and parents will receive preference for employment vacancies for which they are qualified.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $17.20 - $19.76/hr (Based on Credentials)

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, disability, age, or national origin in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.