Assistant Teacher

Matrix Human Services • Detroit, MI

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally focused learning environment for children and their parents. With support from the Teacher, the Assistant Teacher helps plan and participate in classroom, playground, and field trip activities designed to foster or enhance children’s development. The role also supports families as children’s first and primary teachers, contributes to assessment and documentation, and helps maintain the smooth functioning of the center.

The Assistant Teacher must follow Head Start requirements, applicable licensing regulations, Matrix policies, and ethical standards. The position involves ongoing training and professional development, maintaining confidentiality, and adapting work as needed to meet children’s needs. Physical duties may include lifting up to 45 pounds and sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and bending for periods of time.

Requirements

• CDA credential or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds CDA requirements.
• Enrollment in a program leading to an associate or bachelor’s degree, or enrollment in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of hire.
• Knowledge and experience with basic principles of child development.
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and Michigan Childcare Licensing Regulations.
• Effectiveness in a culturally diverse environment and comfort working collaboratively in a team-based setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described, including lifting up to 45 pounds and sitting, standing, walking, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and bending for periods of time.
• Emotional maturity, cooperation with program aims, respect for children and adults, flexibility, patience, good personal hygiene, and physical and mental health that do not interfere with job responsibilities.
• Follow the chain of command for conflict situations.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience working with children and families is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a clean, safe, healthy, and developmentally focused learning environment.
• Supervise and monitor children at all times, respond appropriately to emergencies, and follow active-supervision health and safety practices.
• Establish a positive classroom climate and guide children’s behavior in positive, effective ways.
• Follow a consistent schedule of group experiences, work time, music and movement, motor activities, skill development, meals, and transitions.
• Encourage experimentation, exploration, problem solving, cooperation, socialization, and choice making through open-ended and follow-up questions.
• Use outdoor time as an extension of the classroom and ensure the playground is safe.
• Promote English-language acquisition for English learners and dual-language learners.
• Release children only to individuals with appropriate signed consent.
• Eat with and assist children in developing social and self-help skills and sound nutritional practices.
• Assist with sanitation of classroom equipment and toys and complete the daily classroom health and safety checklist.
• Support families in their role as children’s first and primary teachers.
• Conduct required parent-teacher conferences and home visits to assess and support children and share educational strategies for school and home.
• Adapt lesson plans to address children’s goals in their individual learning plans (ILPs), individualized education programs (IEPs), and individualized family service plans (IFSPs).
• Monitor for and report child abuse.
• Assist with inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Cooperate with staff and classroom groups to keep the center functioning smoothly and adjust as needed to meet children’s needs.
• Ensure developmental screenings are completed within 45 days of enrollment.
• Use observation, ongoing assessment, and tracking to support positive child outcomes; maintain anecdotal notes and enter COR notes into the database within program timelines.
• Protect the privacy and confidentiality of information and submit required documentation, records, and reports accurately and on time.
• Participate in required trainings and continuing education; stay informed about current issues, regulations, and resources.
• Provide for preschoolers’ physical needs, including diapering and potty training.
• Fill in where needed and perform other duties as assigned.
• Use data to support program goals, promote a culture of learning, and identify and address opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics, Head Start requirements, applicable licensing regulations, and the NAEYC Code of Conduct; promote Matrix Human Services’ mission and values.

Benefits

• Tuition assistance.
• Professional development support and an in-house learning and professional development platform.
• Vacation banks.
• Paid holidays.
• Medical/Rx coverage.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• 403(b) retirement account.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree