Assistant Teacher

Do you have a genuine love for children and a desire to make a difference in their early years? Crawford AuSable Daycare and Preschool Center welcomes you to become an integral part of our team, where our success is built on delivering high-quality care and providing unsurpassed family service. We're looking for enthusiastic and compassionate Assistant Teachers to support our programs for children aged 3 months to 12 years. If you're eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a nurturing and engaging environment, join us in creating a place where kids want to be!

Job Summary:

The Assistant Teacher is responsible for supporting the provision of high-quality care and education to children aged 3 months to 12 years across Crawford AuSable Daycare and Preschool Center's programs, which include Infant/Toddler (3 months - 3 years), Younger Preschool (3-4 years), Older Preschool (4-5 years), and Latch Key (K-3 grade). This role involves assisting with the implementation of age-appropriate curriculum, fostering a safe and engaging learning environment, and promoting positive child development under the guidance of a Lead Teacher, in accordance with State of Michigan Licensing Regulations and center standards. The Assistant Teacher reports directly to the Program Lead and ultimately to the Center Director.

Responsibilities:

Child Supervision & Care:

• Assists in ensuring the daily care of every child, upholding the highest standards of safety and education as per Michigan Licensing Regulations and center policies.
• Maintain a safe and effective environment for academic and enrichment activities.
• Engage in play in the classroom, on the playground, and on outings.
• Monitor children's progress and behavior, providing feedback to the Lead Teacher or Director as needed.
• Assist children with self-help skills such as eating, dressing, and toileting/diapering.
• Support the development of children's first languages while simultaneously promoting proficiency in English.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, spend a lot of time playing on the floor, and keep up with active toddlers.

Curriculum & Instruction:

• Assists Lead Teacher in carrying out daily lesson plans and leading both small and large group activities across all age groups.
• Supports the effective implementation of curriculum and program activities appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children.
• Assists in designing and implementing engaging, age-appropriate educational activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development, with a focus on creating enriching and developmentally appropriate experiences for each age group.
• Must enjoy interacting with children and helping them learn through play.

Classroom Management & Environment:

• Supports the Lead Teacher in effectively managing classroom activity and promoting responsible student behavior and decision-making.
• Ensure children's safety through ongoing cleaning of the classroom and materials.
• Prepare and serve snacks and meals.
• Clean up after snacks, meals, and the center daily, including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and bathroom cleaning.
• Create an engaging environment that fosters a sense of belonging that kids want to be in.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Maintain consistent and effective communication with parents, teachers, and the Director.
• Serve as a positive adult role model for children in the program through appropriate dress, speech, and attitude.
• Must be a team player.
• Fosters a collaborative spirit and ability to work synergistically with a diverse team of educators, treating each other with respect, dignity, and courtesy.

Administrative & Professional Development:

• Diligently manages administrative tasks as directed, including accurate daily student attendance and meal/snack logs, and maintains timely communication with the Director.
• Comply with all State of Michigan Licensing Regulations & Safety Standards.
• Comply with all of Crawford AuSable Day Care & Preschool’s policies & procedures.
• Completes 16 clock hours of professional development training on a yearly basis, including provided and paid for First Aid and CPR , and potentially Blood-Bourne Pathogens, Shaken Baby, Safe Sleep, Child Development, Teaching and Observing, Special Needs, Interactions and Guidance, and Assessments. The center may also pay for additional CEUs with prior authorization.
• Be prompt and ready to work on a daily basis.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• CPR Certification and First Aid (or willingness to obtain).
• Blood Borne Certificate (or willingness to obtain).
• Current TB Test (or willingness to obtain).
• Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Significant opportunities for increased earnings based on educational attainment: Assistant Teachers who obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential receive a higher starting wage. Staff are strongly encouraged to continue their education, and raises will be given upon completion of these credentials.
• Must be able to pass a Comprehensive Background Check and be Fingerprinted.

Skills & Abilities:

• Positive Behavior Guidance: Ability to implement effective techniques to promote responsible student behavior and decision-making across all age groups.
• Curriculum Implementation: Proficient in effectively assisting with age-appropriate curriculum and program activities.
• Classroom Management: Skilled in effectively supporting classroom activity to maintain a safe, engaging, and orderly learning environment.
• Child Engagement & Play Facilitation: Ability to actively engage with children in play, fostering their learning and development.
• Interpersonal Communication: Excellent communication skills to maintain consistent and effective interactions with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Demonstrated ability to adapt quickly to changing program needs and diverse age groups, especially given the balanced calendar.
• Observation & Assessment: Capacity to observe children's development and behavior to inform care and learning strategies.
• Safety & Cleanliness Standards: Diligent in ensuring children's safety through adherence to State of Michigan Licensing Regulations & Safety Standards and ongoing cleaning of the classroom and materials.
• Dependability & Punctuality: Consistently prompt and ready to work on a daily basis , understanding the importance of maintaining staff-to-child ratios.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with teachers and parents as part of a cohesive team.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Part-time positions available.
• Schedule may include 10-hour shifts , 4-hour shifts , afternoon shifts , and day shifts.
• Monday to Friday.
• No weekends.
• Work Location: In person.

Compensation:

• Starting pay from $12.75 per hour.
• Paid Sick Leave
• CEU reimbursement program
• Bonus Opportunities: Up to 3% of the annual salary for employees employed for the entire year

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $12.75 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 4 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• After school
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $13