GSRP Associate Teacher

Young World Physical Education; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a GSRP Associate Teacher in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This position involves providing educational activities for young children, assisting with their development, and fulfilling non-instructional tasks. Candidates are required to have an associate degree or equivalent in early childhood education.

The role offers a starting wage of $17.73 per hour, and applicants must have a valid classroom CDA credential or commit to obtaining it. This is a grant-funded, non-tenured full-time position.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in early childhood education, child development or equivalent.
• Willingness to obtain a CDA or associate degree within two years from hire.
• Experience working with children, especially those with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in delivering educational activities for young children.
• Support children's non-instructional needs and skill reinforcement.
• Participate in school activities and meetings.

Skills

Interaction with children

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work with diverse teams

Education

Associate degree in early childhood education or equivalent

Job description

GSRP Associate Teacher

Grand Rapids Public Schools Itinerant - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Position is also posted in Grand Rapids Public School District and Kent ISD.

Job Details

Job ID: 5751408

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jun 01, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

GSRP ASSOCIATE (Formerly PreK Paraprofessional)

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood

BARGAINING UNIT: Grand Rapids Public Schools Paraprofessional Association (GRPSPA)

WAGE: Compensation is determined by a structured salary schedule. The starting salary is based on the candidate’s degree level and verified years of licensed or certificated experience.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Director of Early Childhood

GRPS MISSION

Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

This is a grant-funded, non-tenured position.

JOB SUMMARY

The GSRP Associate is responsible for working as an instructional team member in providing world‑class educational activities for young children. The position is also responsible for certain non‑instructional and concept/skill reinforcement tasks and for providing children with additional opportunities for professional adult/scholar relationships.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Obtained an associate degree (AA) in early childhood education, child development or the equivalent; or
• A valid classroom CDA credential; or
• Completed at least a High School diploma/GED and must be willing to obtain a CDA or associate degree in early childhood education, child development, or the equivalent within two years from the date of hire.

Preferred:

• Experience working with scholars with disabilities, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to interact with children, parents, staff, and community in a courteous and respectful manner
• Experience working with children
• Respect for the confidentiality requirements of information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational skills
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain it
• Willingness to participate in 16 hours of ongoing training yearly to meet childcare licensing regulations
• Ability to participate as a member of a diverse team in a school environment
• Must pass health requirements for the position, including a physical that ensures ability to perform Pre‑K duties with a negative TB result (licensing requirement)

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act include, but are not limited to, the following duties and tasks. Regular on‑time and in‑person attendance is an essential function of this job.

• Participate actively in school building activities, meetings, parent conferences, staffing, training, IEP when appropriate, as determined by the building administration or the assigned certified teacher
• Present lessons to individual children or small groups, assist in introductions of information and concepts, selection, and preparation of materials, and consistently communicate behavior expectations as set by the certified teacher
• Assist with loading and unloading children from the buses
• Inform the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding children
• Follow suggestions as communicated by the teacher, admin, or KISD ECS
• Assist with the medical needs of scholars when needed
• Assist with the grooming needs of scholars’ self‑care
• Assist in preparing displays of scholar learning
• Secure, set up, and operate classroom technology and hands‑on teaching materials and equipment
• Perform clerical tasks such as taking attendance, documenting scholar learning, and filling out payroll forms
• Assist teacher in maintaining an orderly, clean, and organized classroom physical environment
• Assist teacher in maintaining a positive classroom climate using GRPS Pre‑K PBIS expectations
• Supervise children during daily outdoor activities to meet childcare licensing requirements
• Interact with co‑workers, administration, children, and parents in a positive, supportive, and cooperative manner
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality
• Perform other duties as assigned

ADA Requirements

The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Demands

Stands and/or walks during most of the working day. Turns, stoops, climbs, bends, pushes, pulls, reaches for, and carries materials and equipment in the performance of tasks. Candidate must have the ability to physically lift scholars up and down from the floor continually. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Must be able to work outside for extended periods (up to the entire eight‑hour shift) in all weather conditions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors, although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well‑being, and work output of scholars.

Mental Functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to compare, analyze, communicate orally and in writing, copy, coordinate, instruct, compute, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate.

Non‑Discrimination/Accommodation Assistance

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, height, weight, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran, or military status.

Disclaimer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered incidental to their duties.

Other

Position Type: Full‑Time

Salary: $17.73 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required