Year-Round Assistant Teacher

ODC Network•Zeeland, MI

74d•$37,000 - $43,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Teacher works with the Lead Teacher and Teaching Team to provide a high-quality, developmentally appropriate, nature-based preschool experience for children from birth to kindergarten entry. Opportunities are available in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms. The role supports children’s connection to nature and their social, emotional, and academic development. Assistant Teachers must be willing to spend significant time outdoors with students in all types of weather. The position is at Gentex Discovery Preschool. The schedule is either five 8-hour days from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or four 10-hour days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Supervision and evaluation are provided by the Site Director; the role has no supervisory responsibilities. The position includes work indoors and outdoors and may involve attending some events outside normal work hours.

Requirements

Experience working with children and families.
Ability to pass a complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting.
Current First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to receive training if needed.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Google, and general office equipment.
Willingness to spend a significant amount of time outdoors each day in all types of weather.
Willingness to work in other classrooms serving children from 6 weeks to 5 years old as needed.
Ability to maintain a healthy, safe, and positive environment for childcare staff and children.
Ability to collaborate with parents, children, and colleagues and work as part of a team.
Demonstrated interest in teaching and developing young children and in early childhood education.
Strong decision-making skills to respond to emergencies or difficult situations.
Demonstrated good character, responsibility, and suitability to meet the needs of children with diverse backgrounds and learning differences.

Responsibilities

Serve as assistant for assigned classes.
Participate in and help lead activities, including interacting with students indoors and in nature, engaging students in learning activities, preparing meals and snacks, and maintaining a safe learning environment.
Change children’s diapers or pull-ups and manage potty-training needs.
Partner with the Lead Teacher and other Assistant Teachers to develop and plan age-appropriate learning activities, including small groups, enrichment activities, and outdoor activities based on the nature-based curriculum and philosophy.
Assist the Lead Teacher with organizing indoor and outdoor classrooms and learning resources.
Actively participate in large-group activities, nature hikes, and explorations.
Complete daily anecdotal note-taking.
Communicate with parents about their child’s development and daily experiences.
Participate in staff meetings, staff professional development events, and other ODC Network events, some of which may be outside normal work hours.
Document each child’s day using the Procare App.
Maintain educational and training requirements for child-care licensing and quality program assessments.
Work in other classrooms with children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old as needed.