Substitute Child Care Worker (as-needed)

Choice Schools Associates; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is seeking a Substitute Child Care Worker to support outdoor, hands‑on learning in a nurturing environment on our 62‑acre campus. You will help create engaging activities, supervise students, and maintain a safe classroom and play area while collaborating with staff and guardians.

The role emphasizes creativity, initiative, and strong interpersonal skills to meet the needs of diverse students in an environmental education setting.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age with a work permit.
• Must meet all requirements established by the DLARA’s BCHS.
• Ability to walk, lift up to 50 pounds, climb, bend, reach and kneel.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates assigned age appropriate activities for developmental growth.
• Assists in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Collects and displays suitable materials for bulletin boards and other educational displays.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.
• Works cooperatively with guardians.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Monitors children for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.
• Shares responsibility for marketing the Academy in the community.
• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.
• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Skills

Outdoor learning

Creativity

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience with at‑risk students

Job description

Substitute Child Care Worker (as-needed)

About this position

About Our Academy

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child’s love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands‑on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To establish and supervise a safe and nurturing setting in which children can flourish academically and emotionally. Through the cultivation of positive relationships and transparent communication, they strive to assist each child's distinct needs and preferences, aiding them with their academic tasks, arranging stimulating activities, and fostering their social abilities.

What you'll do

• Coordinates assigned age appropriate activities for developmental growth.
• Assists in keeping the classroom neat, clean and orderly to provide work and study areas conducive to learning.
• Collects and displays suitable materials for bulletin boards and other educational displays.
• Uses resources effectively to support learning activities in the classroom, the Academy and the community.

Classroom Management:

• Works cooperatively with guardians.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Monitors children for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Demonstrates genuine concern for students in a climate characterized by high personal and student expectations.
• Promotes responsible citizenship through actions as a role model.
• Provides a classroom atmosphere based on the principles of firm, fair and consistent practices, respect for individual children and development of responsible citizenship.
• Shares responsibility for marketing the Academy in the community.

Professional Development & Leadership:

• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Conducts himself or herself according to professional, ethical principles.
• Displays personal qualities, which reflect favorably upon the individual, the group and the Academy.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Facilities:

• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age with a work permit.
• Must meet all requirements established by the DLARA’s BCHS.
• Ability to walk, lift up to 50 pounds, climb, bend, reach and kneel.
• Ability to communicate with students, staff and guardians in a professional manner.
• Exemplary work habits verified by reference check.

Desired Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of and skills working with At-Risk students.
• Experience in an educational setting with school-age children.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

About Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, WMAES is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knitted community school in your area.

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