Early Childhood Lead Teacher

West Ottawa Public Schools; Michigan; On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Part time

Job summary

West Ottawa Public Schools in Michigan is seeking an Early Childhood Lead Teacher Float for 32 hours per week as a temporary position. The role plans developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum and supports GSRP guidelines within elementary settings.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor's in early childhood education or a Michigan ECE certificate (ZA/ZS) and CPR/First Aid. Experience with at-risk preschoolers and ECSQ-PK knowledge is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development with preschool specialization or a valid Michigan teaching certificate with ZA/ZS endorsement.
• CPR and First Aid certifications are required.
• Willingness to complete health and safety requirements per LARA licensing.
• Experience with preschool-aged children, especially at-risk populations, and knowledge of ECSQ-PK preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum aligned with GSRP and West Ottawa District expectations.
• Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments (ASQ, PELI, TS GOLD) to tailor instruction.
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive environment that supports holistic development.
• Engage families through home visits, conferences, and school events to support children's learning.
• Collaborate with associate teachers and staff and participate in professional development.

Skills

Preschool instruction

Family engagement

Classroom management

Education

Bachelor's or higher in early childhood education / child development (preschool specialization)

Michigan teaching certificate with ZA/ZS endorsement

Tools

CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - West Ottawa Public Schools

• Position Type: Elementary School Teaching/ Early Childhood
• Date Posted: 9/28/2026
• Location: Elementary Buildings
• Date Available: August 2026

Position: Early Childhood Lead Teacher Float
Posting Dates: September 28, 2026 - Until Filled
Reports To: Great Lakes, Pine Creek, Woodside, Riley Farms Elementary Principal & Los Lagos Bilingual Academy
Beginning: October 12, 2026
Hours: 32 hours per week, Temporary Position

Qualifications:

• Educational Background:Possess a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or child development with specialization in preschool teaching. Alternatively, a valid Michigan teaching certificate with an Early Childhood Education (ZA) or Early Childhood-General and Special Education (ZS) endorsement.
• Certification:Hold current certifications in CPR and First Aid. (Will provide training)
• Training:Willingness to complete all health and safety requirements as mandated by LARA licensing by the State of Michigan
• Experience:Prior teaching experience with preschool-aged children, especially those considered at-risk, is preferred. Familiarity with research-based preschool curriculum and knowledge of Michigan's Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Pre-Kindergarten (ECSQ-PK) are preferred.

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute developmentally appropriate lessons using Creative Curriculum. Ensure alignment with GSRP guidelines and West Ottawa District expectations
• Conduct screenings and ongoing assessments to tailor instructional support to each child's needs, (ASQ, PELI, TS GOLD)
• Maintain a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment that fosters social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development
• Engage with families through home visits, conferences, and school events to support children's educational experiences.
• Work collaboratively with associate teachers and staff, participating in meetings and professional development to enhance program quality.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken words; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• The worker is subject to environmental conditions.
• The worker should provide consistent and reliable in-person attendance.

The West Ottawa Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, height, weight, marital or family status, religion, military status, ancestry, genetic information or any other legally protected category (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The District's Compliance Officers shall handle inquiries regarding the Board's non-discrimination policies and address any complaint of discrimination.