Assistant Teacher (10-month, Full-Day)

The Guidance Center•Taylor, MI

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher helps ensure daily activities and interactions reflect the program’s mission and goals. The role assists with planning and implementing appropriate early childhood activities based on the Preschool HighScope curriculum, and maintains a clean, nurturing, and safe environment that supports preschool children’s growth and development. The Assistant Teacher must comply with The Guidance Center’s policies and procedures, Office of Head Start Performance Standards, and other applicable local, state, and agency requirements. The position also calls for cultural competency, sensitivity, and respect for the diverse backgrounds, needs, and experiences of children, families, community volunteers, and employees. A physical examination and background checks must be passed before hire.

Requirements

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development; an associate degree in a related field with 12 credit hours in Early Childhood Education; a Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA); or a state-awarded certificate meeting or exceeding CDA requirements, together with enrollment in a program leading to an associate or baccalaureate degree or a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire.
Knowledge and understanding of early childhood development.
Ability to implement developmentally appropriate curriculum practices.
Previous experience working with preschool children in a classroom setting.
Nonjudgmental approach demonstrating cultural competency and sensitivity to the unique needs and diverse experiences of students, families, business partners, and people served by The Guidance Center’s programs.
Ability to appropriately handle crisis situations.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted to assist children during emergencies.
Ability to stand consecutively for 3.5 hours per part-day class session and 5 hours per full-day class session.
Ability to move between sitting on the floor and standing, and from chair sitting to standing, at least 20 times per session.
Ability to bend and stoop to child level and lift in urgent and emergency situations.
Ability to bend and stoop to address child concerns an average of at least 12 times per hour.
Ability to sit on the floor or on a child-size chair for up to 60 minutes at a time, multiple times during a class session.
Must pass a physical examination and background checks before hire.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning and implementing early childhood activities based on the Preschool HighScope curriculum.
Maintain a clean, nurturing, and safe environment that supports preschool children’s growth and development.
Ensure daily activities and interactions reflect the program’s mission and goals.
Comply with The Guidance Center policies and procedures, Office of Head Start Performance Standards, and other applicable local, state, and agency requirements.
Demonstrate cultural competency, sensitivity, and respect toward children, families, community volunteers, and employees.
Appropriately handle crisis situations and assist children during urgent or emergency situations.