Community Action Agency South Central Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans). To read more about this, view the EEO - Know Your Rights poster.
Head Start Assistant Teacher - Sturgis, MI
Job Code: 2025-STURGIS-001
Location: Sturgis, MI
Department: Assistant Teacher
FT/PT Status: Full Time
Pay Range ($): 17.96-18.34
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist and support in the orientation and training of classroom aides and substitutes.
- Delegate responsibilities to classroom aides, parents, and volunteers.
- Develop lesson plans based on Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), Creative Curriculum, and HSPPS, reflecting parental and cultural influences, promoting children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
- Establish daily and weekly goals to promote educational plans and parent involvement.
- Maintain accurate written records, including assessments, screening instruments, observations, and portfolios.
- Collaborate with special needs staff to meet children's needs as per the Individual Education Plan.
- Ensure regular contact with families through newsletters, calls, and face-to-face conversations.
- Recruit children and families for HS/EHS/GSRP programs.
- Assess individual and group needs, making appropriate referrals.
- Conduct home visits and conferences as required.
- Participate in family meetings and orientations.
- Complete duties and training as per IPDP or classroom observations.
- Adhere to Agency’s Mission, Culture, policies, and procedures.
- Prepare classroom materials in advance to support lesson plans and curriculum.
- May serve as the Lead Teacher in absence.
- Maintain cleanliness of work area and assist with facility checks and housekeeping duties.
- Share information about child progress, gather home issue information, and refer for emergency family support.
Physical Requirements:
Hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory record. Work in a classroom and school environment with moderate noise. Be able to sit, talk, bend, kneel, see, hear, lift up to 60 lbs, and walk around the facility. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.
Conditions of Employment:
- Pass pre-employment drug screening and ongoing screenings.
- Criminal background check every two years.
- Pass a physical exam and TB test with negative results.
- Maintain current First Aid and CPR certifications.
- Employment is subject to a 90-day introductory period.
Qualifications & Education:
- Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with 12 ECE credits, or a CDA with ongoing pursuit of an Associate’s Degree (completion within four years).
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and ensure a safe, healthy learning environment. At least one year of classroom experience preferred.
Professional Competence and Job Knowledge:
- Ability to adapt curriculum to all children’s needs.
- Apply Early Childhood Development theory in daily activities and adapt to individual needs.
- Knowledge of behaviors and expectations of 3-4-year-olds.
- Willingness to pursue ongoing professional development.
- Knowledge of community resources.