Apple Playschools GSRP Assistant Teacher (Upper School)

Apple Playschools•Ann Arbor, MI

3d•$17 - $19

About The Position

The Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) Assistant Teacher provides high-quality, mission-aligned early childhood education for children in assigned classrooms and takes an active role in classroom leadership. Working with the lead or mentor teacher, the Assistant Teacher implements Michigan GSRP components to support children’s positive growth throughout the school year. The role requires a minimum of 30 hours per week in the classroom and reports directly to the GSRP Mentor Teacher. It does not supervise other staff. The Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, secure, and stimulating classroom that supports children’s physical, social, and emotional development, with materials and activities that represent diverse cultures. The role includes supporting children’s social and emotional development, contributing to lesson planning and assessment, facilitating learning with children for at least four hours per day, and maintaining daily communication with families. The position also involves meeting licensing and organizational requirements, serving as a mandated reporter, participating in school and community events, and completing GSRP-related training, records, and professional development. The role offers an opportunity to contribute to early childhood education and grow within a collaborative team.

Requirements

Must be at least 19 years old.
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or equivalent, or a valid classroom Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Must pass required background checks and criminal history review.
Meet applicable LARA licensing education requirements.
Commitment to effective conflict resolution and collaborative communication with staff, families, children, and community partners.
Ability to assess risk appropriately and respond quickly and appropriately in emergencies.
Ability to be on their feet for most of the day; bend, move around with young children, and ascend and descend stairs; walk on uneven terrain; work outside in all weather conditions; and respond quickly in the learning environment.
Ability to hold, carry, or lift up to 25 pounds.
Ability to work a minimum of 30 hours per week in the classroom.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience teaching in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

Embody and align with the organization’s mission, vision, and practices.
Create a safe, secure, and stimulating classroom environment that supports children’s physical, social, and emotional development, ensuring materials and activities represent diverse cultures.
Support children’s social and emotional development.
Provide input on lesson planning, documentation, and child assessments.
Actively facilitate learning with children for at least four hours per day.
Maintain daily communication with families through email, conferences, and home visits.
Comply with licensing regulations and follow Apple Playschools policies, procedures, and best practices.
Act as a mandated reporter for abuse and neglect.
Perform additional tasks assigned by the Mentor Teacher or Program Director.
Represent Apple Playschools positively in the community and communicate feedback to the Program Director.
Attend fall and winter in-service sessions, monthly staff meetings, two site events, one signature event, one external event, and GSRP county-wide staff training and meetings.
Collaborate professionally with GSRP lead teachers to provide optimal services for children.
Develop and implement a comprehensive family engagement plan, including partnering with families on children’s learning, problem-solving, parent leadership, and school-to-home connections.
Maintain and submit required records for local education agencies according to schedule.
Secure and document professional development required by the GSRP grant, child care licensing, Great Start to Quality system, and position certification.