Job Summary: The Associate Teacher – Head Start assists the Lead Teacher in the general daily classroom activities which may include planning activities, preparing materials, and providing nurturing, positive relationships with preschool students and their families.
Essential Duties (May include, but not limited to):

Assists the Lead Teacher with daily routines and activities.
Engages with students by encouraging problem solving, exploration, experimentation and questioning.
Assists the Lead Teacher in preparation of the learning environment, including setting up learning centers and preparing needed materials and supplies.
Assists the Lead Teacher in classroom management using Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and other non-instructional functions.
Supervises the classroom when the Lead Teacher is out of the room.
May serve as a substitute for a Lead Teacher as requested by the Site Coordinator or designee.
Participates in lesson planning and data analysis with the Lead Teacher, including planning of an assigned small group activity.
Assists with the implementation of instructional activities based on student goals and objectives as written in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities.
Engages in outdoor experiences in accordance with the State of Michigan’s Childcare Licensing Rules and the GISD’s outdoor policy.
Actively supervises students at all times. Uses active supervision strategies consistently throughout the building, classroom, and outdoors.
Maintains a routine schedule of data collection for student assessment including observations, collection of anecdotal notes, and completion of developmental screenings. Assessments and developmental screeners are completed in the required time frames.
Uses Teaching Strategies Gold (or other assigned evaluation tool) to analyze data and measure student growth within the timeframe provided by the program.
Uses Child Plus and other program applications as required to document attendance, meal counts, communication, etc.
Operates standard school equipment, such as laminator, copier, audiovisual, etc.
Helps lead teacher with general housekeeping tasks, provides a safe, appropriate learning environment.
Assists in the orientation and training of staff and volunteers in the room.
Assists students with health and physical needs and personal care routines including toilet training, diapering, and eating.
Follows Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) regulations during mealtimes.
Maintains confidentiality of students, families, co-workers and workplace.
Attends staff and center team meetings.
Participates in required professional development hours, both virtually and in person. Completes virtual training within the designated time frame.
Participates in home visits and parent teacher conferences with the Lead Teacher.
Understands and implements the program’s social emotional and PBIS strategies consistently when encountering challenging student behavior.
Works collaboratively with other staff members to best support the student and family. This includes the Lead Teacher, Classroom Support, Early Childhood Specialist, Family Engagement Advocate, and Site Coordinator.
Assures physical safety as children get on and off the bus. Uses hand-to-hand transfers with bus staff.
Uses Restorative Practices and other research-based models for conflict resolution with co-workers or stakeholders.
Participates in a cycle of professional growth with the Site Coordinator and Early Childhood Specialist that includes an annual evaluation and professional development plan.
Conforms to the GISD Head Start Standards of Conduct.
Engages in Restorative Practices.
Consistently models Win-Win leadership.

Other Duties:

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development OR a valid classroom Preschool CDA (Child Development Associate) credential required. Valid and current CPR and First Aid certification, preferred.

Experience:
Two (2) years work experience in early childhood programs preferred.

Skills/Other:
Evidence of accurate record keeping and data collection skills. Ability to use district technology and work to maintain proficiency, as required. Ability to fulfill responsibilities in accordance with program goals. Maintains a positive working relationship with families, staff, and other stakeholders. Punctuality and good attendance are requirements for the position. Ability to work flexible workdays, work week, and work year. Strong teamwork, interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain positive working relationships with team members. Discretion with confidential information. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Must be able to pass a physical exam and TB test, and to obtain a satisfactory national sex offender registry and criminal history check through district and State of Michigan’s childcare licensing fingerprinting. Represents the district in a professional manner at all times, including following the district’s dress code. Demonstrate physical stamina necessary for lifting and moving heavy equipment and materials, repetitive stooping, squatting, bending, lifting, walking, kneeling and reaching while maintaining personal balance and stability. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to maintain a calm, poised, and professional image. Ability to exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with board policies and established administrative guidelines.

Special Job Considerations:
Certification: Not required
Type of Certification: None
Bargaining Unit: None
Salary Schedule: Contracted, limited-duration grant-funded position; 37.5-40 hours per week

Starting wage with preschool enrolled in CDA: $16.02 per hour
Starting wage with preschool CDA: $16.94 per hour
Starting wage with Associate Degree: $19.34per hour
Starting wage with Bachelor's Degree: $22.97 per hour
Benefits: Eligible for full family health, dental and vision
Immediate Supervisor: Site Coordinator
Supervision: None

Associate Teacher- Head Start