Infant Toddler Teacher/ Apprentice (All Locations)

Flowers Early Learning; Paw Paw (MI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid time off

Education assistance

Job summary

Flowers Early Learning seeks an Infant Toddler Teacher/Apprentice for its Paw Paw center, offering full-year employment in a high-quality preschool setting serving 0–3 year olds. The program follows High Scope with team collaboration, family partnerships and strong licensing adherence.

The role includes a schedule Monday–Friday, 8:00a–4:30p, with compensation ranging from entry-level to higher wages as CDA, AA or Bachelor’s level credentials are met.

Qualifications

• Infant/toddler CDA certification is required at minimum.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Background check and drug screening required prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide nurturing care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for 0–3 year olds.
• Implement High Scope curriculum and conduct ongoing assessments.
• Collaborate with coworkers, volunteers and families to support child growth and family engagement.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

Reliable transportation

Background check readiness

Drug screening compliance

Education

CDA infant/toddler

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Infant Toddler Teacher/ Apprentice (All Locations)

Early Head Start Education - Paw Paw, Michigan

Employment Type

Full YR FT

Minimum Experience

Entry-level

Compensation

$15.61 - $20.94/hr. DOE

Flowers Early Learning is a high-quality preschool with locations throughout Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties and currently is accepting applications for Infant/Toddler Teachers/ Apprenticeship serving children ages 0-3 years old. Qualified candidates will be considered for open positions at their local center should a position become available.

Flowers Early Learning, formally known as Tri-County Head Start, was selected as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation in 2024, and one of the Moody Market Best Places to Work in Southwest Michigan in 2021, for their commitment to employee engagement, feedback, and wellness.

Our Mission: To build a future where children, families and communities thrive.

About Us: Our impact lasts a lifetime. Flowers Early Learning, formally known as Tri-County Head Start, employees promote social, emotional and physical health in our community by providing high-quality education, health services and more for the families who need us most in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

Benefits:

• We offer medical, dental, vision, & life insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, and assistance in furthering your education.
• Other benefits include paid time off, earned sick time, paid parental leave, paid holidays and breaks, paid weather days, tuition reimbursement, and an employee assistance program. Our wellness committee is dedicated in providing resources that enhance your life outside of work.

Position Summary:

Infant-toddler Teachers provide nurturing care, supervision, support and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for children ages 0-3, implements High Scope curriculum, conducts on-going assessments, works with a team of coworkers and volunteers, builds child-focused partnerships with families and support staff and ensures compliance with state and federal licensing and grant requirements.

Job Type:

Apprenticeship: Full-Time, Year Round (12 months per year), Hourly, Non-Exempt until CDA status is achieved. Teacher: Full-Time, Year Round (12 months per year), Salaried, Exempt

Expected Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:00a-4:30p 40 Hours per week. Work hours may vary due to daily schedule.

Rate of Pay:

HS Diploma/GED: $15.61/hr, Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA): $17.12/hr, AA $18.40/hr, Bachelors or Higher: $20.94/hr

Education Requirement:

Minimum – Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) infant/toddler.

Preferred:

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field, with at least 18 credits in Early Childhood Education. Candidates without an associate’s degree must complete the Child Development Apprenticeship upon hire and obtain a minimum of eighteen credit hours of early childhood education courses, within four years of continuous employment.

Other Selection Criteria:

All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and their own reliable transportation, complete a physical examination, comprehensive fingerprinted criminal background check, and pre-employment drug screen including a negative result for Amphetamines, Cannabinoids (including Marijuana/THC), Cocaine, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP). Marijuana is not legal at the federal level and is prohibited in the workplace or in one's system, even if legally prescribed.

Equal Opportunity Policy:

Flowers Early Learning is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against any employee, volunteer, or applicant regarding race, sex (including pregnancy), age, color, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, genetic status and/or genetic information, veteran status, physical or mental disability and/or handicap as defined by State and Federal law