EDUSTAFF Classroom Associate - Preschool

Muskegonisd; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

MAISD in Muskegon is seeking a Classroom Associate for Preschool to support teachers in early childhood classrooms and help prepare the learning environment for three- and four-year-olds. You will greet children and families, assist with instruction, and promote school readiness in a nurturing setting.

You will contribute to curriculum-aligned activities, reinforce positive behavior, and participate in professional development.

Qualifications

• Head Start or GSRP credential options are listed in the qualifications.
• Experience in a pre-kindergarten environment is preferred.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with parents and young children.
• Successful pre-employment physical, TB screening and background check required.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher daily in classroom setup, greeting children and families, instructing and supervising.
• Engage in curriculum-aligned instructional practices.
• Foster positive behavior and social skills using program framework.
• Create safe, engaging learning environments with displays and learning centers.
• Provide individual or small-group instruction as needed.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
• Uphold Head Start Code of Conduct in Head Start classrooms.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Communication with parents

Pre-kindergarten experience

Head Start standards familiarity

Background checks compliance

Education

CDA credential

CDA program in progress (within 2 years)

Associate or Bachelor's degree

AA in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

MDE 120 clock-hour approval

Job description

Edustaff Job Posting

JOB TITLE:

Classroom Associate - Preschool

CLASSIFICATION:

Support

REPORTS TO:

Coordinator, Early Childhood Center

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION:

The Classroom Associate - preschool provides age and developmentally appropriate learning experiences which enhance the school readiness of assigned pre-kindergarten children, ages three and/or four. Responsible to assist the classroom facilitator/teacher in providing nurturing care to preschool children and assist in successfully developing the emotional, physical, social, and intellectual growth of assigned children, recognizing and responding to the individual needs of each child. The Classroom Associate will adhere to early childhood program standards (i.e., the Head Start Performance Standards and/or GSRP Implementation Manual)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists teacher daily in preparing classroom, greeting children and families, instructing children, feeding, monitoring, and ensuring children’s safety.
2. Engages in instructional practices which are aligned with the program’s adopted research-based curriculum.
3. Provides an appropriate climate to establish and reinforce acceptable pupil behavior, attitudes, and social skills. Actively utilizes the program’s adopted child behavior framework.
4. Holds create a safe and effective environment for learning through functional and attractive displays, interesting learning centers and exhibits of children’s work.
5. As assigned, may provide individual and small group instruction designed to meet individual needs of pupils in communication skills, health habits, physical skills and development of self-concepts.
6. Attends and actively participates in staff meetings and professional development opportunities as assigned.
7. If working in Head Start classroom, upholds the Head Start Code of Conduct.
8. Conducts such other tasks and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. In Head Start classrooms, possession of one of the following credentials:
1. Have a current child development associate (CDA) credential,
2. Be currently enrolled in a CDA credential program that will be completed within two years, or
3. Have an associate or baccalaureate degree (in any area) or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.
2. In GSRP classrooms, possession of one of the following credentials:
1. An associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education or child development or the equivalent, or
2. A valid classroom CDA credential, or
3. An existing 120 clock-hour approval letter from MDE.
3. Past experience in pre-k environment preferred.
4. The ability to work and communicate effectively with parents and young children.
5. Knowledge of and working relationship with local community service agencies.
6. Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards and/or GSRP regulations preferred.
7. Successful pre-employment physical exam including tuberculosis screening & criminal records background check.

PREFERRED COMPETENCIES:

A MAISD Organizational Support Employee Skillfully Demonstrates...

Understanding the Organization:

• Business Insight: Keeps up with current and possible future policies, practices, and trends within the MAISD and public education
• Customer Focus: Builds and delivers solutions that meet customer expectations
• Financial Acumen: Understands the meaning and implications of key financial indicators

Making Complex Decisions:

• Thoroughly weighs the risks and benefits of different solution options in a timely manner
• Actively seeks input from pertinent sources to make timely and well-informed decisions (separates opinions from facts)
• Considers ethical factors and impact on all stakeholders in the decision-making process

Taking Initiative:

• Quickly and decisively takes action in fast-changing, difficult, and unpredictable situations
• Actively seeks and secures unique resources
• Continuously seeking to improve processes and procedures

Building Collaborative Relationships:

• Proactively develops relationships with a wide variety of people
• Anticipates conflict but finds common ground and ensures that all feel heard in high tension situations

Being Authentic:

• Keeps confidences

Being Flexible and Adaptable:

• Adapts style to fit the specific needs of others
• Serves as a source of confidence in high-stress situations

NOTABLE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

There are frequent requirements to lift, hold and move moderate weight (students) and to control outbursts of physical behavior in the classroom setting. Must pass a MAISD-paid physical examination before an unconditional offer of employment can be made.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• Commensurate with MAISD Early Childhood Center wage and benefit schedule / may
• be employed by third party contractor.
• It is the policy of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District that no staff member, candidate for employment, program participant, or recipient of services shall experience discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries related to issues of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Director for Special Education at [phone]. All other discrimination inquiries or requests for special accommodations to participate in a program, event, or activity should be directed to the Associate Superintendent for Human Services at [phone].