Teacher

Community Action Agency; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 28,144 - 36,506; Full time

Job summary

The Community Action Agency is seeking a dedicated individual for a Full-Time position in the Jackson County Children’s Program, responsible for planning and implementing a preschool classroom in compliance with relevant licensing requirements. This role involves collaborating with program staff and community partners to fulfill program objectives.

Ideal candidates will hold an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, with two years of relevant experience preferred, and demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills. The position offers the chance to make a positive impact in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a preschool classroom setting preferred.
• Valid age-appropriate Michigan teaching certificate preferred.
• Reliable transportation throughout the workday required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement preschool classroom activities.
• Establish a culturally responsive classroom environment.
• Collaborate on lesson planning and documentation.
• Support high-risk children with behavioral health needs.

Skills

Reading

Mathematical skills

Verbal and written communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development

Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education

Job description

Job Location: Jackson County Children’s Program – Jackson, MI.

Position Type: Full Time.

Education Level: 4‑Year Degree.

Salary Range: $20.43 – $26.50 hourly.

Plan and implement a preschool classroom in compliance with Head Start, GSRP and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) licensing requirements. Follow all agency policies and procedures with minimal direct supervision. Work closely with program staff and community partners to fulfill the objectives of Head Start/GSRP and Community Action Agency. Direct classroom operations, including leading a teacher assistant and childcare aide to facilitate daily classroom activities for preschool children.

Responsibilities

1. Establish a developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive classroom environment that fosters child development in accordance with Creative Curriculum, NAEYC, HS/GSRP, and CLASS requirements.
2. Work as a team to clean and organize the classroom.
3. Collaborate on lesson planning that individualizes for children while balancing child‑initiated and adult‑initiated activities, with the lead teacher responsible for accurate implementation.
4. Participate in team assessment of children, using the assessment system and ensuring accurate data implementation and ongoing documentation.
5. Develop positive and respectful relationships with children, adapting to developmental levels and using data from observations and assessments.
6. Direct and facilitate classroom staff and volunteers, promoting their personal growth and development.
7. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability throughout the workday and the year, amid staff changes and program requirements.
8. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, education plans, and IEP meetings.
9. Maintain confidentiality of information and handle it with care.
10. Assist team members in completing all required agency paperwork accurately and in a timely manner pursuant to program procedures.
11. Collaborate with team members to promote parent participation in all program areas, planning and implementing family engagement activities, including evening functions.
12. Provide support to high‑risk children who may have trauma histories, behavioral health concerns, or disability service needs.
13. Always supervise children, using a calm voice, patient demeanor, and maintaining accurate head counts throughout the day.
14. Represent the agency professionally and positively in all settings, including on social media.
15. Aid children in toileting and clothing changes.
16. Sit with children during mealtimes and model good nutritional habits, including family‑style serving, manners, and conversation.

Other Hiring Contingencies

• Must pass all required background checks.
• Provide proof of a physical exam signed by a licensed physician indicating that the candidate is physically capable of performing essential duties, or obtain a physical through CAA’s provider.
• Provide a negative TB test within the last 12 months or before starting the position.

Qualifications

1. Education: Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development required; Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Elementary Education preferred.
2. Work Experience: Two (2) years of experience in a preschool classroom setting preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the CEO.
3. Training: Creative Curriculum and TS Gold experience preferred.
4. Certifications/Licenses: Valid age‑appropriate Michigan teaching certificate preferred.
5. Transportation: Must have reliable transportation throughout the workday.
6. Basic Skills: Competent reading, mathematical, verbal, and written communication skills; computer‑literate with demonstrated computer proficiency; knowledge of community resources, organizational and time‑management skills; ability to work cooperatively in a team approach.
7. Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Interpersonal Skills: Independent judgment to complete routine tasks; establish and maintain positive relationships with people of all economic levels, cultures, and capabilities; ability to mediate and diffuse difficult situations.
8. Physical and Mental Capabilities: Ability to work in classrooms and home situations, including non‑handicap accessible environments in all weather; capacity to participate in classroom activities (bending, stooping, squatting, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds or more, running when necessary, and operating in an environment with elevated noise levels).