GSRP Associate Teacher

Plainwell Community Schools; Cooper Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Plainwell Community Schools is seeking a GSRP Associate Teacher to join our early childhood team. You will collaborate with Lead and Third Teacher to implement daily curriculum, support four-year-olds, and help each child reach academic, social, and emotional goals.

The role emphasizes co-teaching, family communication, classroom management, and accurate documentation of progress in line with GSRP standards.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent is required.
• A valid CDA credential or 120-hour approval may be accepted.
• Background checks and CPR/First Aid certification are required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate as an active member of the teaching team to develop program goals and learning experiences.
• Support planning, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum and child assessments.
• Assist in preparing lesson plans and daily routines with co-teachers.
• Provide individual and small group support to promote development.
• Assist in managing classroom behavior and maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Observe and document student progress for data collection and records.
• Engage families through home visits, meetings, conferences, and family activities.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing and professional development requirements.

Skills

Collaboration

Family communication

Observation & assessment

Classroom management

Data/documentation

Education

Associate’s degree in early childhood education or equivalent

CDA credential or 120-hour approval

Job description

As a GSRP Associate Teacher:

This position works collaboratively with the teaching team to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment for four-year-old children. The Associate Teacher assists with co-teaching, supporting the implementation of the daily curriculum, and helping each child reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. This role also assists in maintaining open communication with families and supporting students’ development in accordance with GSRP standards and early childhood best practices.

Expectations:

• Collaborate as an active member of the teaching team alongside the Lead Teacher and Third Teacher to develop and implement program goals and engaging learning experiences for all students.
• Support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of curriculum and child assessments in alignment with GSRP standards.
• Participate in preparing and executing the lesson plans, classroom activities, and daily routines alongside the co-teachers.
• Provide individual and small group support to students, fostering academic, social, and emotional development.
• Assist in managing classroom behavior and promoting a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Observe and document student progress, contributing to data collection and assessment records.
• Engage with families by participating in scheduled home visits, family meetings, conferences (in-person or virtual), and other family-focused activities.
• Maintain compliance with state licensing regulations and fulfill professional development requirements set by the Michigan Department of Education and the Bureau of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP).

This position requires:

Associate’s degree in early childhood education, child development, or equivalent is required; a valid classroom CDA credential or an existing 120-hour approval may also be accepted. Candidates without the above credentials may be considered if they demonstrate a willingness to complete the required certification or degree within three (3) years of hire, in accordance with GSRP guidelines. As a grant requirement, background checks and current CPR/first aid certification are required.