Assistant Teacher

Andrews University•Berrien Springs, MI

52d•Onsite

About The Position

The Crayon Box Children's Learning Center is looking for a fun, dependable, and energetic teacher to join our team! We're seeking someone who brings creativity, warmth, and enthusiasm to each day and helps children learn through hands-on play, exploration, and discovery. The ideal candidate supports daily routines, helps implement engaging lessons, and maintains a positive, organized classroom where every child feels loved and valued. Strong teamwork, communication, and reliability are essential as we work together to create a nurturing, Christ-centered learning environment. Full-time: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with lunch break. Come make learning an adventure every day!

Requirements

Must be at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma or GED.
Minimum 1 year of experience working in an early childhood education center.
Completion of MiRegistry-approved training in the following areas: 3 hours each in Program Management, Observation, Documentation, and Assessment, and Teaching and Learning
6 hours total in any of the following: Interactions and Guidance, Challenging Behaviors, or Trauma-Informed Practices
Demonstrated excellence in classroom management, including maintaining structure, establishing clear expectations, and creating a calm, consistent learning environment.
Strong time management skills with the ability to balance instructional blocks, transitions, and daily routines efficiently.
Excellent understanding of child development and preschool educational methods.
Knowledge of safety, sanitation, and licensing guidelines for classrooms.
Clear, professional communication and instructional skills.
Ability to act as a mediator between children and guide positive behavior choices.
Warm, friendly, and dependable personality with sensitivity to the needs of children, families, and staff.
Ability to lead and support a team, providing direction and accountability in a respectful, collaborative manner.
High level of energy, accuracy, and efficiency in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Consistently punctual, organized, and reliable, demonstrating professional responsibility and follow-through.
Must share our passion for children and display a genuine love for kids.
Willingness to uphold and reflect the center's philosophy and mission in all actions and interactions.
Must be a Seventh-day Adventist in good and regular standing.
Able to confidently use technology commonly found in early childhood classrooms, such as CD players, classroom iPads, digital cameras, and TVs for music, movement, and learning activities.
Comfortable using phones, tablets, or cameras to capture and document children's activities for learning portfolios, bulletin boards, and parent communication while respecting privacy guidelines.
Experience using age-appropriate educational technology (e.g., digital storybooks, songs, Bible stories, movement videos like Yippee, or Christian children's worship videos) to enhance group learning and engagement.
Ability to assist with maintaining accurate electronic attendance, incident reports, nap charts, and allergy lists using center-approved platforms or software.
Able to perform simple troubleshooting on common classroom technology (e.g., reconnecting Wi-Fi, recharging tablets, restarting devices) to ensure learning activities continue smoothly.
Ability to set up and manage projectors, sound systems, or TVs for special events, story time, or classroom celebrations.
Helps organize digital teaching resources such as songs, videos, printable activities, and lesson materials on shared drives or devices for easy classroom use.
Understands and follows strict guidelines for maintaining confidentiality and child privacy when using technology for communication, documentation, and record-keeping.
Willing and able to adapt to new technology tools introduced by the center to enhance learning, communication, or administrative processes.
Positive Role Model: Demonstrates Christ-like behavior, showing kindness, patience, and respect to children, families, and co-workers.
Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with teachers, assistants, student workers, and administrators to create a supportive environment.
Respectful Communication: Speaks and listens with warmth and professionalism, even in challenging situations.
Engaging with Children: Builds nurturing relationships through encouragement, active listening, eye contact, and supportive presence.
Partnership with Parents: Maintains professional, confidential, and positive communication with families about their child's day.
Conflict Resolution: Handles differences with patience, discretion, and problem-solving, seeking leadership guidance when needed.
Encouragement and Support: Uses positive reinforcement to foster joy, cooperation, and teamwork in the classroom.
Professional Boundaries: Maintains confidentiality and appropriate boundaries in all interactions.
Sensitivity and Inclusion: Respects and supports diverse backgrounds, cultures, and individual needs with empathy.
Christ-Centered Commitment: Creates and maintains a faith-filled, supportive environment aligned with the center's mission.
Frequent physical activity, including significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
Regular stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, and balancing
Fine motor skills and significant finger dexterity for tasks such as assisting with children's activities and materials
Ability to safely lift and carry young children as needed

Responsibilities

Support a structured learning environment
Engage children in learning
Maintain classroom organization
Ensure safety and supervision
Promote positive behavior
Collaborate with team members
Communicate effectively
Demonstrate professionalism
Comply with regulations
Assist as needed
May serve as the Staff in Charge whenever the Director is not on the premises, ensuring smooth operations and professional communication with parents, staff, and visitors, including licensing representatives.
Independently manage the classroom, maintaining structured routines, safety, and engagement when additional support staff or co-teachers are absent.
Provide leadership and guidance to other teachers, student workers, and volunteers, modeling best practices in classroom management and child supervision.
Ensure active supervision of all children at all times, indoors and outdoors, promoting their safety, development, and well-being.
Maintain a positive learning environment that reflects The Crayon Box's mission, values, and commitment to structured, play-enhanced learning.
Uphold and enforce all Crayon Box policies, procedures, and licensing requirements in every supervisory and instructional capacity.