Associate Teacher

$35,984 - $41,600/Yr

Head Start For Kent County - Walker, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Walker, MI

About the position

The Associate Teacher at Head Start For Kent County is responsible for managing classroom operations in compliance with federal standards and agency expectations. This role focuses on ensuring children's safety, delivering lessons, and addressing the diverse needs of enrolled children in collaboration with their families. The position requires the development of an inclusive curriculum and active participation in professional development activities.

Responsibilities

• Manage general classroom operations in accordance with federal performance standards and state licensing rules.
• Ensure children's safety at all times.
• Coach classroom assistants and volunteers.
• Prepare and deliver lessons and perform activities with the children.
• Provide for the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and cultural needs of each enrolled child, in partnership with parents.
• Develop a culturally-responsive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.
• Ensure implementation of the designated curriculum with strong fidelity.
• Complete and submit fun and educational lesson plans and preliminary checkpoint data.
• Participate in professional development activities and Professional Learning Community meetings.
• Complete corrective action plans stemming from monitoring findings.
• Conduct agency screenings and assessments.
• Gather and enter children's assessment data in the online assessment tool.
• Enter documentation in ChildPlus as required by the Agency.
• Ensure safety of the classroom and outdoor environment for children.
• Implement positive redirection and behavior guidance.
• Instruct children in personal hygiene and self-help skills.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks for children.
• Ensure classroom environment meets Agency's expectations regarding CLASS scores.
• Provide feedback for ongoing evaluation and training of staff and volunteers.
• Empower parents by enhancing parenting skills and relationships.
• Participate in family engagement events to support parent engagement.
• Conduct Education Home Visits and Family Conferences per program year per student.
• Involve parents in decisions about individual goal setting and culturally-responsive practices.
• Assist in recruitment, enrollment, and orientation of Head Start families.
• Understand and implement the tiered support model to identify family needs.

Requirements

• Minimum of a valid preschool CDA credential; or
• Be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development to be completed within 4 years; or
• Be enrolled in a preschool CDA credential program to be completed within 2 years.
• Must obtain CPR/First Aid within ninety days of hire.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay ranging from $15 to $25.
• Professional development opportunities.